iLIBPtARY OF CONGRESS,! 

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||lm|! r-.- fopmtgM % t 

I UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. | 



THE 



PRESIDENTS 



AND THEIR 



ADMINISTRATIONS 



A HAND-BOOK OF POLITICAL PARTIES, 



EVERY VOTER. 



LEWIS O. THOMPSON, A. M., 

Formerly President of the Nortkwestern University, Watertown, Wis. 

INDIANAPOLIS: v ^^ 1873 , • "] 

JOHN W. ROBINSON, X*^ • } ^ -Vi " •^ " ^ 

PUBLISHER. \ ^ '^^y^ 

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E 



v«-i 



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Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S73, by 

Lewis O. Thompson, 
la the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, 



Stereotyped and Printed by 

INDIANAPOLIS JOURNAL COMPANY. 



IPE^EF^OE. 



In the preparation of this work, the writer has had in 
view to present in brief and compact form, the leading issues 
of our political history as a Nation, and place within the 
reach of every voter the facts, statistics, and important 
events which are not generally accessible, except to those 
who have entrance to public libraries, or who have been able 
to secure a political library of their own. 

The reader will find each Administration, from the inaug- 
uration of Washington, in 1789, to the present time, treated 
by itself, and the leading occurrences chronologically 
grouped. A few preliminary pages are presented to illus- 
trate the origin and growth of government in the colonies, 
and to set forth by the defects of the Articles of Confed- 
eration the necessity for a new Instrument. There will be 
found, in their proper places, the Cabinets of the Presidents ; 
the Chief Justices of the Supreme Court ; the Speakers of 
each Congress ; the names of all the candidates for the 
Presidency and Vice-Presidency, with the number of votes, 
popular and electoral, that each received; the population of 
the United States every decade ; the number of Represent- 
atives by ratio ; the public debt for each year ; the important 
measures which claimed and divided public attention ; the 
conventions of political parties and the platforms they have 
adopted ; a brief sketch of political parties and their prin- 
ciples ; together with such other items as relate to the con- 
duct of public affairs in a great and growing commonwealth. 



4 PREFACE. 

The careful observer -will see in the list of distinguished 
names something more th^n a barren record. He will see 
what peculiar training the great men of our country have 
received in public offices, and what especial posts of trust 
are most directly in the line of advancement to the chief 
magistracy. Yery useful lessons, too, can be drawn from tho 
annual financial statement, when taken in connection with 
public enterprise, particular lines of policy on duties and 
imposts, commerce, trade, war, and public expenditure, and 
the surplus or debt which each in its turn has produced. 

The attentive reader will find, in the platforms of the 
parties — and we give all that have ever been adopted and 
voted upon — a condensed history of political opinions, that 
ivill well repay his study. 

Political discussions being of such frequent occurrence, a 
book like this which contains so many facts of a political 
nature, may be used with great advantage by the public dis- 
putant, and also enable the voter by the light of past events 
to correctly estimate the drift and weight of arguments that 
are presented. It may also serve as a guide to the political 
student, who desires to make a more extended examination 
of the rise and progress of parties. Politics, as the science 
and art of government, is philosophy teaching both by pre- 
cept and example, and affords a most delightful field of 
study. It is hoped, therefore, that this Kecord of public and 
important acts will supply a demand existing in political 
literature, and on account of its concise and convenient form 
approve itself a useful Hand-book for Every Voter. 

The writer began, over a year ago, during odd moments, 
the study of political history for his own information. A 
first result was the preparation of a " Chart of the Admin- 
istrations," which was published in the "Whitewater Kegis- 
ter," Wis., — Mr. Edwin D. Coe, Editor and Proprietor. A 
second result has been the publication of this Book in its 
present form. Thanks are due Mr. Coe for the service his 
columns have rendered — a debt which this acknowledgment 
is intended to express, but not discharge. 



PRELIMINARY. 

I. Discovery. — At early dawn, on Friday, uctober 12th, 
1492, Columbus, in search of a northwest passage to the 
Indies, sailed across land, which he imagined to fco a part of 
the East Indies. On this account, the natives were called 
Indians. He found the land to he an island, and called it 
San Salvador. The great discoverer mado four voyages in 
all. On the third, in 149S, ho touched upon the mainland 
at the mouth of the Orinoco, South America; but died, in 
1506, without the knowledge that vast continents had been 
opened to the world through his genius and perseverance. 

II. Name. — Americus Vespucius, a Florentine monk and 
friend of Columbus, visited the new land in 1499, and went 
back to Europe with the first descriptive account of those 
hitherto unknown regions. It was suggested that the new 
world should be called America, and this suggestion beiDg 
favorably received by geographers, the name was generally 
adopted, and Columbus has been for ever deprived of this 
just and lasting monument to his greatnesg. 

III. Explorations and Settlements. — During the two 
centuries that followed, tho chief nations of Europe were 
mostly occupied in making discoveries and plans for settle- 
ments. The English, Portugese, French, Spaniards, and 
Swedes were principally represented. 

1605, Port Royal, N. S., was settled by the French. 

1607, Jamestown, Ya., by the English Cavaliers. 

1608, Quebec, by the French, 
1613, New York, by the Dutch. 

1620, Plymouth, by the English Puritans. 

1638, Delaware, by the Swedes. 

The Spaniards at the outset made no permanent settle- 
ments, but were very active in the work of exploration and 
conquest. They occupied Florida in 1568. They were mainly 
turned to Central and Southern America, where the prospect 
of untold and fabulous wealth, with its immediate posses- 
sion, seemed most flattering. 



6 PRELIMINARY. 

ly. The Introduction op Slavery,— In 1620, the Cap- 
tain of a Dutch trading vessel sold twenty negroes to the 
colonists of Jamestown. Subsequently two circamstanccs 
contributed to its growth and spread: first, some seeds of 
cotton were sown in Virginia in 1621 as an experiment, 
and found to be adapted to the soil ; second, the invention 
of the cotton-gin by Eli Whitney, at a later period, made 
the culture of cotton highly profitable, and produced an in- 
creasing demand for slaves. 

V. Salem Witchcraft. — A strange delusion which spread 
amoDg the people, broke out in 1692 at Salem with peculiar 
violence. Many arrests were made, and some twenty per- 
sons, including a minister of the Gospel, having been found 
guilty, were hanged. At the height of this malady, eight 
persons were under conviction, and the prisons were filled 
with the accused. But the severity of its punishment soon 
wrought its cure, and all were released from duress and sen- 
tence. 

VI. Education, — The New England Colonies took the 
lead in making liberal provision for the establishment of 
schools. Free schools were opened in Boston as early as 
1635, and this example was extensively followed. A fund 
of one thousand dollars was set apart in 1637, for the erec- 
tion of a seminary at Newton, Massachusetts. John Har- 
vard in 1639, left his library a legacy to this school, and 
about four thousand dollars in money. To honor the donor 
the college was called Harvard, and the name of the town 
changed to Cambridge. 

In Connecticut, a school for the education of ministers 
was started at Saybrook in 1700, which was removed to 
New Haven in 1717, and being liberally aided by Governor 
Elihu Yale, his name was given to the college. 

The College of William and Mary, Virginia, was founded 
in 1693; Nassau Hall, New .Jersey, in 1746; Columbia Col- 
lege, New York, in 1754; and Brown University, Khode 
Island, in 1764. 

The first printing press was established in 1639 at Cam- 



PRELIMINARY. 7 

bridge, Massachusetts. The first issue of a newspaper in 
Boston occurred in 1690, and was stopped after its first ap- 
pearance. There was not a single newspaper in any of the 
colonies in the year 1700; but in 1774 as many as forty 
were being successfully published. 

VII. Forms of Government. — Nearly all the settlements 
were made under the immediate protection and patronage of 
the English Crown. The lands to which the colonists came, 
being held by uncivilized races, they brought with them and 
adopted the Common Law of England as the law of the 
land. They laid claim to the land by right of discovery, 
and either took forcible possession of such localities as 
pleased them, or when this was not expedient, secured them 
by purchase and treaty. There were three classes of gov- 
ernments granted to the colonists — 1, Royal, or Provincial ; 
2, Proprietary; 3, Charter. 

1. The Provincial Governments depended entirely upon 
the Crown of England. To this class belong the colonies of 
Virginia (1606), New Hampshire (1622), New York (1662), 
North Carolina (1663), South Carolina (1663), and Georgia 
(1732). The King appointed Governors to represent him- 
self, and gave them specific instructions for the conduct of 
public afiairs, 

2. The Proprietary. In this form, the proprietor or owner 
had purchased from the crown his privileges, and either 
governed in his own right or appointed such governors as 
suited his pleasure. Maryland, granted to Lord Baltimore 
in 1682, and Pennsylvania and Delaware, granted to Wil- 
liam Penn in 1681, were settled under the Proprietary form 
of government. 

3. Charter Governments. In these we find the prototype 
of our present State Government^, which in many respects 
they resembled. Before the Puritans disembarked, they 
signed a solemn compact by which they guaranteed equal 
rights to all the settlers. Charters were granted to the col- 
onies of Massachusetts (1620), Connecticut (1635), and 
Rhode Island (1636), by which the soil within specified 



8 PRELIMINARY. 

metes and bounds, and all privileges of government with 
certain restrictions, were conferred on the occupants and 
their successors. By these instruments "tho appointment 
and authority of the Governor, the formation and structure 
of the Legislature, and the establishment of oourts of justice, 
were specially provided for; and generally the powers ap- 
propriate to each were defined." 

VIII. The Revolution. — The growth of the colonies was 
gradual and steady, but being separated by so great a dis- 
tance from the mother country, it was difficult to continue a 
spirit of hearty sympathy and unity of purpose in public 
measures. A disposition seemed to manifest itself, on the 
one side, to watch with jealousy the growing power and 
prosperity of the colonies, and a purpose to make them con- 
tribute to the burdens of Government at home, entered into 
all the public enactments ; and on the other side, the spirit 
of liberty which seemed to spring from the soil, early mani- 
fested itself in the colonists, who became impatient of the 
restraints imposed upon them and insisted that a free people 
could not be taxed without their consent. The Parliament 
had affirmed the dependence and subordination of the col- 
onies to the Crown and Parliament of Great Britain, and 
that '• the King, with the consent of the Parliament, had, 
hath, and of right ought to have, full power and authority 
to make laws and statutes of sufficient force and validity to 
bind the colonies and people of America in all cases whatso- 
ever." In this way there arose a serious question and dif- 
ference about the relative rights of sovereign and subject, 
which promoted the measures that finaMy produced a com- 
plete separation, and led to the establishment of a free and 
independent Bepublic. The remote and immediate causes 
of the Revolution seem to have been, — 

1. Enactments passed to cripple or destroy the commerce 
of the colonies. 

2. The prohibition of inter-colonial trade in woolen goods, 
passed in 1732. 

3. A variety of obnoxious acts and measures, such as the 



PRELIMINARY. 9 

'•Molasses Act'' of 1733, the "Stamp Act" of 1765, the 
"Quartering Act,' and the like, bj which the feeling of 
opposition and resistance was enkindled and kept burning- 

4. The requirement of direct trade with the English 
markets. 

5. Taxation without representation. The Tax Bill of 17G4 
provided for taxing the colonies in order to raise "a revenue 
for the expenses of defending, protecting, and securing His 
Msjesty's dominions in America." 

6. The restraints imposed upon American manufactures. 

7. A stringent and persistent purpose on the part of Eng- 
land to crush the rising and rebellious spirit of liberty, and 
coiipel submission by resort to arms. Thus, war soon be- 
came inevitable, and reconciliation impossible. 

IX. Union of the Colonies. — The Puritans having made 
their settlements for religious freedom, continued to disre- 
gard the rules and forms of the established church. Eng- 
land, in order to more easily govern the colonies and check 
their growth, at one time undertook to prevent all emigra- 
tion from her shores. Many ships filled with passengers on 
the point of sailing were prevented, and it is known that 
Cromwell and Hampden, who afterwards played such im- 
portant parts in the English Revolution of 1638, were 
actually on one of these vessels so hindered from departing. 
Great events sometimes hinge on very small things. 

In the second place, it was determined to compel con- 
formity by the infliction of penalties. For this purpose the 
Archbishop of Canterbury and others received power to gov- 
ern the colonies, and if necessary revoke their charters. In 
January, 1635, the New England ministers met in Boston to 
consider what should be done under these circumstances, 
and it was at once agreed to defend their liberties by re- 
course to force if that should be rendered necessary. These 
measures led to the formation of a union for mutual defense 
and preservation, and on May 29th, 1643, the Articles of 
Agreement were signed in the name of the Colonies of Mas- 
sachusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Haven, and 



10 PRELIMINARY. 

would have embraced Rhode Island and Providence Plan- 
tations had not this colony been excluded on account of its 
unwillingness to be merged in the colony of Plymouth, 
This union, which took the name of the " United Colonies of 
New England," lasted over forty years and was of great 
service, not only in showing the Denefits of union, but also in 
protecting them from the hostile Indian tribes at home. A 
similar union was entered into in 1757, when a French and 
Indian war seemed imminent, and the compact was signed 
at Albany, July 4th, by delegates from Massachusetts, New 
Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, and 
Maryland. We find in these two instances, types of that 
more celebrated union into which all the colonies finally en- 
tered, when engaged in the great struggle for independence. 

"To Massachusetts is due the honor of first proposing a 
general union of all the colonies, when it appeared evident 
that England would employ force unless the colonies sub- 
mitted to her demands. The idea was favorably received by 
all the colonies, and commissioners were appointed to repre- 
sent them. This convention met at Philadelphia, Septem- 
ber 4th, 1774, and has since been known as the "First Con- 
tinental Congress." Delegates from eleven colonies were 
present. They elected Peyton Randolph, of Virginia, Pres- 
ident, and Charles Thompson, of Pennsylvania, Secretary. 

On the 14th day of October, 1774, they published a 
" Declaration of Rights," in which they very ably set forth 
the grievous acts and measures to which as Americans they 
could not submit, resting in the hope that their fellow-sub- 
jects in Great Britain would, on a revision of them, restore 
them to that state in which both countries found happiness 
and prosperity. This paper concluded with a resolution "to 
pursue the following peaceable measures : 1. To enter into 
a non-importation, non-consumption, and non-exportation 
agreement or association. 2. To prepare an address to the 
people of Great Britain, and a memorial to the inhabitants 
of British America ; and, 3. To prepare a loyal address to 
his majesty agreeable to resolutions already entered into." 



PRELIMIKARY. 11 

By this able and important document, it was easy to see 
that war must come, unless either England withdrew from 
her position, or the colonies retreated from their demands. 

Mr. Pitt, the British Minister, who had read the declara- 
tion, petition, and address, prepared by the members of this 
" First Continental Congress," was highly impressed with 
their force and vigor, and spoke in the following magnan- 
imous terms: "I must declare and avow, that in all my 
reading and study — and it has been my favorite study — I 
have read Thucydides, and have studied and admired the 
master states of the world — that for solidity of reasoning 
force of sagacity, and wisdom of conclusion, under such 
complication of circumstances, no nation or body of men 
can stand in preference to the General Congress at Phila- 
delphia." 

The " Second Continental Congress " met in Philadelphia 
May 10th, 1775, and continued in session through the war, 
meeting from place to place, as safety required, and until a 
final form of government was adopted. Its existence ceased 
March 3d, 1789, when it was succeeded by the First Con- 
gress of the United States of America. 

PRESIDENTS OP THE SECOND CONTINENTAL CONGRESS. 

1775, May 10, Peyton Randolph, Virginia. 
1775, May 24, John Hancock, Massachusetts. 

1777, November 1, Henry Laurens, South Carolina. 

1778, December 10, John Jay, New York. 

1779, September 28, Samuel Huntington, Connecticut. 
1781, July 10, Thomas McKean, Pennsylvania. 

1781, November 5, John Hanson, Maryland. 

1782, November 4, Ellas Boudinot, New Jersey. 

1783, February 4, Thomas Mifflin, Pennsylvania. 

1784, November 30, Bichard Henry Lee, Virginia. 

1785, November 23, John Hancock, Massachusetts. 

1786, June 6, Nathaniel Gorham, Massachusetts. 

1787, February 2, Arthur St. Clair, Pennsylvania. 

1788, January 28, Cyrus Griffin, Virginia. 



1 2 PRELIMINARY. 



PLACES IN ■WHICH THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS CONTENED. 



Philadelphia, - 1774-177G 

Baltimore, - - 177G 

Philadelphia, - 1777 

Lancaster and York, - 1777 



Philadelphia, - 1778-1783 

Princeton, - - 1783 

Annapolis, - - 1733 

Trenton, - - 1784 

New York, 1785-1789. 

X. Outbreak of "War. — April 19th, 1775, tho Battle of 
Lexington. It being known that the Anaericans were col- 
lecting military stores at Concord, Major Pitcairn was sent 
by Governor Gage with a body of men to take and destroy 
them. The people in the country were notified by trusty 
messengers, and a couple of lanterns (a preconcerted signal) 
hung up in the belfry of the North Church. The " minute 
men" at Lexington were fired upon by Pitcairn and his men, 
and seven were killed outright and nine wounded — a quarter 
of all that stood on the village green to oppose tho onward 
march of Pitcairn in defense of their liberties. The British 
grenadiers then pushed on to Concord and destroyed the 
stores ; but on their way back to Boston they were fired upon 
by the aroused people, and if they had not been reinforced? 
not one would have returned alive. Eight hundred went 
out on this mission, the flower of the British army in Bos- 
ton ; three hundred of them never returned. This was the 
first blood shed in the war. The effect was electrical. War 
became inevitable. The entire country North and South was 
aroused. The colonies that had hesitated now promptly de- 
cided to prepare for war and enter heartily into the union. 

XI. Organization of Army.— June 15th, 1775, George 
Yfashington was nominated by Johnson of Maryland, for 
Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, and having 
been brought forward " at the particular request of the peo- 
ple in New England," he was unanimously elected. The 
"Second Continental Congress" undertook to borrow six 
thousand pounds " for the use of America," to be expended 
in buying powder for the army. It was also voted to raise 
and equip an army of twenty thousand men. A second 
petition was addressed to the King by Congress, July 6th, 



PRELIMINARY. 13 

1115, in vfhich they set forth the causes and necessity of 
taking up arms. The petition was spurned, and all hopes of 
reconciliation destroyed. 

XII. Declaration op Independence. — July 4th, 1776. 
During the session of the Second Continental Congress, in 
the summer of 1776, tho resolution of Richard Henry Lee, 
of Virginia, "that the United Colonies are and ought to he 
free and independent States," was passed by a majority of 
one colony. A committee, consisting of Thomas JeffersoD, 
John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and 
Robert Lexington, was appointed to publish the reason for 
this act, and set forth the principles by which the new born 
nation should bo guided. Jefferson himself wrote this 
Declaration, receiving one or two emendations from Franklin 
and Adams, and reported it to Congress on the 28th day of 
June, when it was finally, after careful debate and criticism 
adopted by a vote of twelve States (New York withholding 
her vote), without a single negative, at 2 o'clock P. M., July 
4th, 1776. "This Declaration of the Representives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled," was re- 
ceived all over the land with the greatest demonstrations oj 
joy — with ringing of bells, illuminations, shouts, and the 
booming of cannon. Thus in every possible manner did 
the people manifest their hearty approbation of this most 
important step. 

XIII. Articles of CoNrEDERAxiON. — After the Declara- 
tion of Independence had been adopted, the necessity for 
gome kind of governmental union between the thirteen 
States became more than ever evident. Accordingly, a 
committee was designated, to prepare a plan of union for the 
States, and bring them into a more firm and consolidated 
condition. They brought in their report July 12th, which, 
with some modifications, was at last adopted by Congress 
November 15th, 1776. 

This instrument was to become the bond of the colonies, 
when adopted by their unanimous vote. Maryland was the 
last to give in her adhesion to this new bond, which she did 



14 PRELIMINARY. 

March 1st, 1781, and the New Confederation, by these 
" Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union between 
the States," became operative on the 2d day of March. 

But this compact was short-lived, and totally failed to 
provide the machinery of organized government. During 
the war, the colonies got along well enough without it, be- 
ing held together by their common danger and necessity ; 
but when the war ceased, and a new order of things arose, 
it became evident to all that the "Confederation" was 
merely the shadow of government. 

The prominent peculiarities of this political compact were 
illustrated by an able critic who declared " that the United 
States in Congress have exclusive power for the following 
purposes, without being able to execute one of them: — 

"1st. They may make and conclude treaties, but can only 
recommend the observance of them. 

"2d. They may appoint ambassadors, but can not defray 
even the expenses of their tables. 

"3d. They may borrow, in their own name, on the faith Of 
the Union, but can not pay a dollar, 

"4th. They may coin money, but they can not purchase 
an ounce of bullion. 

"5th. They may make war and determine what number of 
troops are necessary, but can not raise a single soldier. 

"6th. In short, they may declare everything, but do 
nothing." 

The first effort, thus, of the Young Republic at forming a 
general union was a failure. "W« are one nation to-day, 
and thirteen to-morrow," was the comment of Washington. 
" The smoke in the flame overpowered the light." "A better 
one could not then have been accepted; but with all its 
faults, it contained the elements for the evolution of a more 
perfect union." The attempt to conduct government under 
a very loosely-jointed compact, proved a schoolmaster to 
teach the people by its defects what must be done to secure 
a union adapted to their exegencies, and gradually con- 
ducted public opinion along the way that finally made it 
possible to reach the present Constitution. 



PRELIMINARY. 15 

XIV. THE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE. 

1775. April 19th. The Revolution began with the Battle of 
Lexington. 

May 10th. Ethan Allen and Arnold took Ticonderoga. 

May 12th, Colonel Warner captured Crown Point. 

June 17th, Battle of Bunker Hill. General Warren 
killed. 

July 2d, Washington assumed command of the troops 
around Boston. 

Nov. 13th, Montreal surrendered to Montgomery. 

Dec. 31st, Attack on Quebec. Montgomery killed. 

1776. Jan. 1, Norfolk, Va., burned by Lord Dunmore. 
March I7th, British troops, under Lord Howe, evac- 
uated Boston. 

June 28th, British repulsed at Fort Moultrie. 

Aug. 27th, Battle of Long Island. 

Sept. 14th, New York evacuated. 

Oct. 28th, Battle of White Plains. 

Nov. 16th, The British took Port Washington. 

Nov. 20th, Fort Lee occupied by the British. 

Dec. 26th, Battle of Trenton. 

Dec. 30th, Commissioners sent to France. 

1777. Jan. 3d, Battle of Princeton. 

April 26th, Danbury, Conn,, burned by Gen'l Tryon. 

May 23d, British shipping destroyed by Col. Meigs, at 
Sag Harbor. 

June 16th, Burgoyne invaded New York. 

July 5th, Ticonderoga taken by the British. 

July 7th, Battle of Hubbardtown, Vt. 

July 10th, General Prescott, commander at Long 
Island, captured. 

July 27th, Murder of Miss McCrea. • 

July 29th, Fort Edward abandoned. 

July 31st, LaFayette entered the American service. 

August 6th, Battle of Oriskany. 

Aug. 16th, Battle of Bennington. 



16 PRELIMINARY. 

Aug. 25th, Arrival of British fleet in Chesapeake 
Bay. 

Sept. 11th, Battle of Brandy Wine. 

September 19th, First battle of Saratoga; "Bemiz's 
Heights." 

September 25th, Philadelphia captured by the British. 

October 4th, Battle of Germantown. 

October Cth, Forts Clinton and Montgomery taken. 

October 7th, Second battle of Saratoga; "Stillwater." 

October 17th, Surrender of Burgoyne. The battles of 
Saratoga and the surrender of Burgoyne proved the 
critical period of the Revolution. A contrary issue 
might have changed entirely the career of the thirteen 
colonies. 

October 2 2d, Repulse of British at Fort Mercer. 

December 11th, The American army entered Valley 
Forge for winter quarters. 

December 16th, The French King determined to ac- 
knowledge and support American independence. A 
fast sailing ship had brought him the news of Burgoyne's 
defeat. The tidings of this acknowledgment reached 
the Americans the next spring and filled their hearts 
with joy. 

1778. February 6th, Treaties of amity and commerce formed 
between France and the United States. 

June 18th, Philadelphia evacuated by the British. 

June 28th, Battle of Monmouth. 

July 3d, Massacre of Wyoming. 

July 29th, A French fleet anchored in Narragansett 
Bay. 

August 29th, Battle of Quaker Hill, Ehode Island. 

December 29th, Savannah, Georgia, captured by the 
British. 

1779. January 9th, The British captured Sanbury, Georgia. 
February I4th, Battle of Kettle Creek. 

March 3d, Battle of Brier Creek. 

May 15th, Charleston, South Carolina, beseiged. 



PRELIMINARY. 17 

July loth, Stony Point captured by General Wayne. 

August 29th, Tories and Indians defeated by Sullivan 
near Elmira, New York. 

September 23d, Paul Jones gained a victory off the 
coast of England. 

September and October, Seige of Savannah by Amer- 
icans and French. 

October 9th, Repulse of D'Estaing and Lincoln, at 
Savannah. 

1780. April 14th, Battle of Monk's Corner. 

May 12th, Lincoln surrendered Charleston to the 
British. 

May 29th, Battle of Waxhaw Creek. 

June 23d, Battle of Springfield, New York. 

July 10th, Second French fleet arrived at Newport. 

August Gth, Battle of Hanging Rock, South Carolina. 

August 16th, First battle of Camden, ''Sanders Creek.'' 

August 18th, Battle of Fishing Creek. Arnold de- 
signed to deliver West Point to the British. 

October 2d, Andre executed as a spy. 

October 7th, Battle of King's Mountain. 

1781. January 1st, Mutiny of Pennsylvania troops. 
January 5th, Richmond burned by Arnold. 
January 17th, Battle of Cowpens. 
January 18th, Mutiny of New Jersey troops. 
January and February, General Green's celebrated 

retreat. 

March 1st, The articles of confederation adopted by 
Maryland — the last vote of colonies wanting to make 
their adoption unanimous. 

March 15th, Battle of Guilford Court-house. 

April 25th, Second battle of Camden, "Hobkirk's Hill.' 

June 18th, Greene repulsed at Fort Ninety-six. 

September Gth, New London, Ct., burned by Arnold. 

September 8th, Battle of Eutaw Springs. 

October 19th, Surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktowa 
2 



18 PRELIMINARY. 

1782. Oct. 8, Hollanr] acknowledged the independence of the 
United States. 

November 30th, A preliminary treaty of peace signed 
at Paris. 

1783. July 11th, Savannah evacuated by the British. 
September 3d, Permanent treaty of peace signed at 

Paris, by England, France, Spain, Holland and the 
United States. 

November 3d, Disbanding of the American army. 
November 25th, New York evacuated by the British. 
December 14th, Charleston, South Carolina, evacuated 
by the British. 

December 23d. Washington resigned his commission 
to Congress as Commander-in-Chief, and retired to Mt. 
Vernon beloved of all the people above tho common lot 
of man. 
In twenty-four of thQ chief battles from Lexington to the 
Surrender of Cornwallis, the total loss of the British was 
25,481 men; that of the Americans, 7,913. The original 
thirteen States contracted a debt of $40,000,000 in the pros- 
ecution of the war. 

XV. The War Ended. — Peace, smiling peace, after many 
years of weary battle, returned to bless and cheer the 
wearied patriots. The war was virtually closed when Lord 
Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown. "Past two o'clock, 
and Cornwallis taken !" the joyful ■shout that rent the air 
and awakened the sleeping inhabitants of Philadelphia. The 
people became frantic with delight, and thronged the streets 
to catch the welcome story. "America is free ! " the anima- 
ting thought that filled every heart. 

The Second Continental Congress convened at an early 
hour, and in the afternoon went in solemn but joyful pro- 
cession to the Lutheran Church, to return devout thanks to 
Almighty God for this great victory. 

When the startling news reached England, November 25, 
all hopes of subjugating America were abandoned, and by a 
Btrong vote the House of Commons declared, that whosoever 



PRELIMINAUY. lO 

advised the King to continue the war, should be esteemed a 
public enemy. Lord North, the Prime Minister, when he 
heard of the surrender, was deeply agitated, and exclaimed, 
"0 God! it is all over." 

A final and permanent peace was concluded at Paris, Sep- 
tember 3d, 1783. The war lasted, from the skirmish at Lex- 
ington to the surrender of Cornwallis, six years and six 
months, and to the treaty of peace, its definite termination, 
eight years, four months and fourteen days. 

XVI. Dissatisfaction in the Army. — During the pro- 
gress of the war, there was a great depreciation of the cur- 
rency, and at its close, it was almost worthless. There had 
been issued about $200,000,000 in continental notes. Forty 
dollars in script equalled one in specie. The prices of goods 
had proportionally increased; a pair of boots cost $600 in 
notes, and the month's wages of a soldier would scarcely 
pay for a dinner. And to add to the distress, the country 
had been flooded with counterfeit notes. Commerce had 
been entirely swept from the seas. The arts of peace were 
almost wholly neglected. . Vast amounts of property had 
been destroyed^ and the country was generally impoverished. 
Besides it seemed probable that the war might be renewed 
at any time. Cornwallis had surrendered, but George III. 
was still sullen and unwilling to give up the contest. Dur- 
iDg this gloomy and despondent period, Washington was 
requested by the soldiers to proclaim himself King. He 
immediately summoned a meeting of the officers, and be- 
sought them not to tarnish the bright record of honorable 
service by consulting such rash and imprudent measures. 
He afSrmed his conviction in the integrity of Congress and 
the people, saying, " My eyes have grown dim in the serv- 
ice of my country, but I have never doubted her justice.' 
His wise counsels prevailed and harmony was finally re- 
stored. 

XVII. Framing a New Constitution. — Virginia was the 
first State to move in this direction, and James Madison was 
Q ne of its earliest promoters. 



20 PRELMINIARY. 

The Legislature of Virginia, January 21, 1786, appointed 
a committee to meet such commissioners as may bs appointed 
in other States, to deliberate in common upon certain meas- 
ures of public importance and welfare. This meeting was 
held at Annapolis, the first Monday in September, 1V86, and 
five States were represented. Alexander Hamilton, one of 
the delegates, prepared a very able report of its proceedings, 
and a second meeting was called to be held the second Mon- 
day of May, 1787, at Philadelphia. The object of this con- 
vention, was declared to be the preparation of such amend- 
ments to the Articles of Confederation, as should render them 
adequate to the exigencies of government, and the preserva- 
tion of the Union. 

The Convention was organized May 25th, by selecting 
George Washington as presiding ofiicer. They sat with 
closed doors, and remained in session until the 17th of Sep- 
tember, when an entirely new instrument, the present Con- 
stitution of the United States, was reported. This compact, 
by one of its provisions, was to become operative, when 
adopted by the vote of nine States. Their report was trans- 
mitted to Congress, which, on the 28th of September, 1787, 
"Eesolved, That the said report, with the resolution and 
letter accompanying the same, be transmitted to the several 
legislatures, in order to bo submitted to a convention of del- 
egates chosen in each State by the people thereof, in con- 
formity to the resolves of the Convention made and provided 
in that case." This resolution was at once acted upon by 
the States. 

XVIII. Katification of the Constitution by the 
States. — There was much opposition to the new form of 
government, and the votes of adoption were tardily given, 
yet it received the required two-thirds ratification within 
the year of its submission to the people, and to New Hamp- 
shire belongs the honor of casting the vote that gave validity 
to the Constitution of the United States, and made it the su- 
preme law of the land. "Thus was achieved," in the words 
of Judge Story, '< another and still more glorious triumph ia 



PRELIMINARY. 21 

the cause of national liberty than even that v/hich separated 
us from the mother country. By it we fondly trust that our 
republican institutions will grow up and be nurtured into 
more mature strength and vigor; our independence be se- 
cured against foreign usurpation and aggression; our do- 
mestic blessings be widely diffused and generally felt; and 
our union, as a people, be perpetuated as our own truest 
glory and support, and as a proud example of a wise and be- 
neficent government, entitled to the respect, if not the admi- 
ration, of mankind." 

The. States gave their adhesion to the new compact as 
follows: 

1787, December 7tb, Delaware. 

" December 12th, Pennsylvatia. 
" December 18tb, New Jersey. 

1788, January 2d, Georgia. ■ 

" January 9th, Connecticut. 

" February 6th, Massachusetts. 

" April 28th, Maryland. 

" May 23d, South Carolina. 

" June 21st, New Hampshire. 

" June 26th, Virginia. 

" July 26th, New York. 

1789, November 21st, North Carolina. 

1790, May 29th, Rhode Island. 

XIX. Political Parties. — During the continuance of 
the Kevolution, from the necessity of the case, but little at- 
tention could be given to the theory and practice of govern- 
ment. It was rather a question of existence, and all ener- 
gies were turned in this direction. A small part of the col- 
onists were anxious to continue the relation of dependence 
upon the mother country, and were extremely averse to sep- 
aration. They were called "Tories," and this term was 
used in reproach and contempt, while on the other hand? 
those who fought for their liberties and defended the rights 
of man, were called " Kebels." 

At the outset, it does not appear that there was any prev- 



22 PRELIMINARY. 

alent intention to do more than secure their liberties, and 
rights by constitutional enactments, but -when fairly entered 
into the contest of throwing off the unlawful tyranny of 
George III. and his advisers, there was no retreat until they 
had secured their independence, and established a free re- 
public. 

Political parties, however, did not become well defined 
until after the Constitution of the United States went into 
successful operation. 

XX. The First Election. — On the 13th day of Septem- 
ber, 1788, the second Continental Congress appointed the 
first Wednesday in January, 1789, as the day for choosing 
electors of President in the several States, and the first 
Wednesday of February of the same year, as the time when 
the electors should meet in Jheir respective State Capitols to 
cast their ballots for that officer, and the first Wednesday of 
March thereafter, as the day for the inauguration of the 
President, and the organization of government under the 
new Constitution. 

It followed as a foregone conclusion, that no other candi- 
date could be thought of tor the highest office in the gift of 
a grateful country, than Washington, and a unanimous 
electoral vote confirmed and sealed the popular will. 



CHAPTER I. 

THE ADMINISTRATION OF WASHINGTON. 

Federal. 



I. CABINET.*- 

PEESIDENT. 

1789. George Washington, Virginia. 

YICE PRESIDENT. 

1789. John Adams, Massachusetts. 

SECRETAEIES OF STATE. 

1789. Thomas Jefferson, Virginia. 

1794. Edmund Randolph, Virginia. 

1795. Timothy Pickering, Massachusetts. 

SECRETAEIES OF THE TREASURY. 

1789. Alexander Hamilton, New York. 

1795. Oliver Wolcott, Connecticut. 

SECRETARIES OP WAR. {Navy included) 

1789. Henry Knox, Massachusetts. 
1794. Timothy Pickering, Massachusetts. 

1796. James McHenry, Maryland. 

POSTMASTERS GENERAL. 

1789. Samuel Osgood, Massachusetts. 

1794. Timothy Pickering, Massachusetts. 

1795. Joseph Habersham, Georgia. 

ATTORNEYS GENERAL. 

1789. Edmund Randolph, Virginiai 

1794. William Bradford, Pennsylvania. 

1795. Charles Lee, Virginia. 

*'The Vice President is not a member of the Cabinet, and 
the Postmaster General did not become one until the admin- 
tration of Jackson. 



24 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

11. CHIEF JUSTICES OF THE SUPEEME COURT. 
1789. Sept. 26tli, John Jay, New York. 

1795. Dec. lOtb, John Kutledge, South Carolina. 
(^Appointed during recess and presided one ierm, but 

when Congress convened it refused to confirm his ap- 
pointment.) 

1796. Jan. 27th, William Gushing, Massachusetts. 
[Declined the appointment.) 

1796, March 4th, Oliver Ellsworth, Connecticut. 

III. SENATORS ELECTED PEESIDENTS PKO 
TEMPORE OF THE SENATE. 

1789. April, John Langdon, New Hampshire. 

1792. April, Eichard Henry Lee, Virginia. 

1792. May, John Langdon, New Hampshire. 

1793. March, John Langdon, New Hampshire- 

1794. May, Kalph Izard, South Carolina. 

1795. February, Henry Tazewell, Virginia. 

1796. May, Samuel Livermore, New Hampshire. 

1797. February, William Bingham, Pennsylvania. 

IV. SPEAKERS OF HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES. 
I. Congress, 1789, F. A. Muhlenberg, Pennsylvania. 
n. " 1791, Jonathan Trumbull, Connecticut. 
in. '' 1793, F. A. Muhlenberg, Pennsylvania. 
IV. " 1795, Jonathan Dayton, New Jersey. 

V. FIRST CHAPLAINS OF CONGRESS. 

Chaplain of the Senate, 1789, Rt. Eev. Bishop 
Samuel Provost. (Episcopalian.) 

Chaplain of the House, 1789, Rev. William Lynn. 
(Presbyterian.) 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 25 

YI. THE FIRST ELECTION. 

Electors were appointed, as directed by the Con- 
stitution, but on account of the delay in the forma- 
tion of Congress, their ballots were not counted until 
the 6th day of April, 1789. By the arrival of 
Eichard Henry Lee, the Senate was able, on that 
day, to constitute its first quorum John Lang- 
don was elected President of the Senate for " the sole 
purpose of opening and counting the votes for Presi- 
dent of the United States." In the presence of both 
branches of Congress (the first quorum of the House 
having been formed on April 1st) Mr. Langdon de- 
clared the vote to be: For George "Washington, Esq., 
69, (unanimous); John Adams, 34; Samuel Hunt- 
ington, Ct., 2; John Jay, N, Y., 9; John Hancock, 
Mass., 4; R. H. Harrison, Md., 6; George Clinton, 
N. Y., 3 ; John Rutledge, S. C, 6 ; John Milton, Ga., 
2 ; James Armstrong, Ga., 1 ; Edward Telfair, Ga., 
1; and Benj. Lincoln, Mass., 1. 

Eleven States voted. North Carolina and Rhode 
Island had not as yet ratified the Constitution. At 
this time there was no separation in choice between 
President and Vice President. The candidate receiv- 
ing the greatest number of votes was elected Presi- 
dent, in case such number was a majority of the 
whole number of electors appointed ; and then, after 
the President had been elected, the person having the 
next greatest number of votes (a majority not neces- 
sary) was chosen Vice President. In case two or 
three had an equal number of votes, it then became 
the duty of the Senate to choose the Vice President, 
from such candidates, by ballot. 



26 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

VII. THE SECOND ELECTION. 
Electoral vote: — For George Washington, 132, 
(unanimous); John Adams, 77 ; George Clinton, N. 
Y., 50; Thomas Jefferson, Va., 4, and Aaron Burr> 
N. Y., 1. Fifteen States voted. 

VIII. POPULATION AND KEPRESENTATION. 
1790. Whites 3,172,466, free colored 59,466, and 
slaves 697,897. Total 3,929,827. The ratio of rep- 
resentation was fixed by Congress for 1790-1800 at 
33,000, making the number of members 106. 

IX. HISTORICAL RECORD. 
1789. 

April 30. Washington inaugurated President at 
New York City. After he had taken the oath on 
the balcony of Federal Hall, Nassau street corner of 
Wall, Chancellor Livingston, who administered it, 
exclaimed, ''Long live George Washington, Presi- 
dent of the United States." The people in the 
streets sent back the echo, " Long live George Wash- 
ington." The ringing of bells and the firing of artil- 
lery attested the joy, and the salutations proper to 
this happy and interesting day in the history of the 
Great Eepublic. 

After this ceremony, the President delivered a 
brief inaugural address in the Senate Chamber, 
which was received with profound attention, and 
proved itself a document worthy of the man, the 
hour and the place. The members of Congress, in 
conformity with their resolution, then adjourned to 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 27 

attend divine service in St. Paul's Chapel, conducted 
by Bishop Provost, Chaplain of the Senate. 

In the evening there was a fine display of fire- 
works, bonfires and illuminations. The exercises 
from first to last were in harmony with the spirit of 
the occasion, and gave utterance both to deep felt 
joy and solemn religious convictions as befitted the 
origin of a government for a free and enlightened 
people. 

April-May. A continued debate on the Tariff 
question came up in the House, for the purpose of 
raising a national revenue to supply the deficiency 
which existed in the public Treasury. Mr. Madison, 
*'at the beginning of the first tariff debate, in the 
first session of the first Congress," April 8, gave, in 
a very few words, the principles which he thought 
ought to govern wise legislation with regard to levy- 
ing duties on imports, namely: Specific duties the 
rule, ad valorem duties the exception : revenue the 
object, with encouragement to home industry in view ; 
specific on all staple and leading articles, ad valorem 
on the less important ; the burdens of taxation to be 
imposed upon luxuries, and upon articles made 
abroad, in such a manner as to favor the poor and 
encourage home industries and manufactures : and all 
these duties to be moderate, so as not to shackle 
trade or agriculture. 

With reference to duties on tonnage, he advocated 
discrimination in favor of American ships, and of 
ships belonging to nations with whom existed treaties 
of amity and commerce, in order to stimulate Amer- 
ican ship-building, and make it desirable for foreign 



28 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

nations to contract commercial treaties "with us. 
These principles thus embraced three points : revenue 
for the public Treasury, encouragement to home 
manufactures, and removal of burdens to trade and 
agriculture. 

May 14. It was resolved by the Senate after con- 
siderable debate, that the proper title of address to 
the President should be, "To the President of the 
United States." 

May 19. Mr. Madison moved to create three Ex- 
ecutive departments — of Foreign Affairs, Treasury 
and War — the head officer of each to be called a 
Secretary, and removable by the President. The 
House passed the bill. May 21. 

June 3. John Adams took the oath of office as 
Vice President. Thus rather tardily was the first 
Congress fully organized and prepared to start on 
its illustrious career. 

June 25. The Previous Question was moved by 
Mr; Madison in order to prevent debate on a Eesolu- 
tion that Congress should declare its most earnest de- 
sire that Ehode Island should seek admission to the 
Union ; he deeming such resolution unworthy of dis- 
cussion. ''Shall the main question be .now put?" 
It was decided in the negative. Adjourned. 

August 7. Tlie Ordinance of 1787 — introduced 
by Nathan Dane, of Massachusetts, *' for the gov- 
ernment of the Territories of the United States, 
North-west of the Ohio," and embracing substantially 
the original Jefferson Proviso against Slavery, of 
1784 — was adopted by Congress, This act con- 
cluded with six unchangeable articles of pei-petual 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 29 

compact, the last and sixth being the only one that 
referred to Slavery, was as follows : 

"There shall be neither Slavery nor involuntary servi- 
tude, in the said Territory, otherwise than in punishment of 
crimes, whereof the parties shall be duly convicted." 

As a condition to the passage of this article there 
was added a clause for the delivery of persons esca- 
ping from labor or service. 

September 3. A resolution offered for locating the 
permanent seat of government. It raised a most 
bitter discussion, and formed almost the first occa- 
sion on wdiich a Northern and a Southern interest 
manifested itself. A compromise, however, w^as af- 
ected. The assumption bill, favored by the North, 
and the location of the Government in the District 
of Columbia (to be formed), favored by the South, 
were united and passed as one measure. 

November 21. North Carolina ratified the Con- 
stitution and became the twelfth State. 

December 22. North Carolina ceded her Western 
Territory — now the State of Tennessee — to the 
Union, one month after she had ratified the Federal 
Compact, on this express condition : 

" Provided always that no regulation, made or to be made, 
by Congress, shall tend to emancipate slaves.'' 

1790. 
February 9. Discussion in the House on Public 
Credit. The foreign debt was swelled to $11,710,378, 
mostly due to France and Holland, and the domestic 
debt was estimated at $42,414,085; a third of this 
came from arrears of interest. Hamilton advised 



30 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

the assumption of $25,000,000 the entire debt of 
the States, and the funding of arrearages. The plan 
■was bitterly opposed, but finally prevailed by a vote 
of 31 to 26. 

February 11, The Friends and Quakers in sev- 
eral States sent a petition to Congress, praying for the 
abolition of the Slave trade. 

February 12. The Pennsylvania Society for pro- 
moting the Abolition of Slavery, sent a memorial to 
the House, entreating the members '' to be pleased to 
countenance the restoration of liberty to those un- 
happy men, who alone in this land of freedom, are 
degraded into perpetual bondage." It was signed by 
Benjamin Franklin, as President. 

Marcli 30. Congress put an end, for the time be • 
ing at least, to the farther reception of Anti-Slavery 
petitions by voting, that " it had no right to interfere 
in the emancipation of slaves, or their treatment in 
any of the States." 

May 29. Treaty with the Creek Indians. Ehode 
Island voted to adopt the Federal Constitution, and 
became the thirteenth member of the Union. 

July 9. The bill to locate the seat of government 
for ten years at Philadelphia, and thereafter perma- 
nently on the Potomac, was passed in the House by a 
vote of 32 to 29. This measure was combined with 
the assumption of the State debts. Each bill sepa- 
rately had been defeated by small majorities. The 
Eastern and Middle States were for the assumption ; 
the Southern, against it. With regard to the perma- 
nent seat of the Government, the North wanted -t 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 31 

fixed on the Susqueliannali ; the South, on the Poto- 
mac. The assumption bill, according to Jefferson, 
produced the most bitter and angrj contest ever 
known in Congress, and almost threatened a dissolu- 
tion of the Union. Jefferson attempted a compro- 
mise of conflicting interests to save the Union, and 
through his influence some of the members were in- 
duced to change their votes. Thus, at the very out- 
set, a compromise saved the Union, and produced 
concord among the States. 

October 17-22. General Harmar defeated by In- 
dians' in the North-west. 

1791. 

February 1-8. Bill to incorporate the Bank of 
the United States passed by a vote of 39 to 20. The 
charter was to expire by limitation in 1811. Jeffer- 
son and Madison were opposed to the act, regarding 
the measure as unconstitutional, and as conferring a 
dangerous and corrupting power upon the govern- 
ment. Hamilton and Knox gave their WTitten opin- 
ion,at a Cabinet meeting, in favor of the President 
signing the bill; Jefferson aud Randolph presented 
negative reasons. This was the first instance of party 
separation in the Cabinet, and proved the forerunner 
of important differences which soon developed them- 
selves. 

A national mint was located at Philadelphia. 'No 
bank existed at this time that had a national circula- 
tion. The four banks in the country — at Boston, 
New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore — issued notes 
which had merely a local circulation. The United 



32 THE PEESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

States Bank gave National credit and National circu- 
lation. 

By the financial scheme of Hamilton, the credit 
of the country was placed upon a firm foundation. 
In the words of "Webster, " He smote the rock of the 
national resources, and abundant streams of revenue 
burst forth. He touched the dead corpse of public 
credit, and it sprang upon its feet." 

March 4. Vermont, the fourteenth State, admitted 
to the Union. 

November 4. General St. Clair defeated by the 
Indians. Its causes were afterwards investigated by 
Congress in 1792. 

The First Ten Articles of Amendments to the 
Constitution received their first vote of ratification, 
November 20, 1789, and their eleventh, December 
15, 1791, and were adopted as a part of the Consti- 
tution. 

1792. 

May 11. Captain Gray discovered the Columbia 
Eiver. 

June 1. Kentucky was admitted, and became the 
fifteenth pillar in the Union. 

1793. 

March 4. Washington and Adams inaugurated at 
Philadelphia. 

February 12. The Fugitive Slave Bill adopted — 
'' an Act respecting Fugitives from justice, and Per- 
sons escaping from the service of their masters." 

February 28. The ofiicial conduct of the Secretary 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 33 

of the Treasury was investigated hy the House of 
Representatives. The administration was sustained 
in its financial policy. 

Difficulties with Genet, the French Ambassador. 
England and France were at war, and Genet began 
to fit out privateers, for the capture of British ships,, 
in American ports. The Minister endeavored to 
influence legislation by undue measures and inflam- 
matory speeches. Washington demanded that he be 
recalled, which was accordingly done in 1791. 

1794. 

January 3. The report of Secretary Jefferson 
' ' on the privileges and restrictions on the commerce 
of the United States in foreign countries " called out 
a most elaborate debate in the House. Gen. Hamil- 
ton took grounds against the measures proposed by 
Jefferson. Mr. Madison upheld the views of Jeffer- 
son, and Mr. "William Smith, of South Carolina, 
those of Hamilton. 

The discrimination recommended by Jefferson was 
levelled against England, and was defeated by five 
votes, and that mainly through the mercantile class 
v/hich was largely engaged in trade and commerce 
with Great Britain. 

January 7. It was resolved by Congress, "that 
from and after the first day of May, A. D. 1 795, the 
Flag of the United States be fifteen stripes, alternate 
red and white. That the Union be fifteen stars, 
white, in a blue field." By this modification it was 
intended to add a new stripe for every new State ad- 



31 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

mittcd, but before long it was perceived that the rule 
would not answer, (the States increasing in number 
too rapidly), and so the old resolution of the second 
Continental Congress, (passed June 19, 1777), was 
re-affirmed in 1818, which provided, ''that the flag 
of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, 
alternate red and white, in a blue field, representing 
a new constellation," Avith the addition of a now star 
for each new State. It was found, however, too diffi- 
cult to represent a constellation on a banner, and so 
the circle of stars, to express concord and unity, was 
substituted. The red is designed to picture the 
courage, white, the uprightness, and blue, the firm- 
ness, hope and charity of those who upbear it. 

This beautiful emblem was first unfolded on the de- 
cisive battle-field of Saratoga, and waved there in 
triumph, an omen of victory, the ensign of liberty, 
and the standard of a new nationality. 

" Forever float that standard sheet! 
"Where breathes the foe hut falls before us ? 

"VVith Freedom's soil beneath our feet, 

And Freedom's banner streaming o'er us? '' 

January 16. The Quakers, (of New England, at 
their yearly meeting in 1793), prepared a memorial 
in which they petitioned Congress to exercise the au- 
thority vested in them by the Constitution, for the 
suppression of the slave trade. 

June 9. Jefi*erson, for want of agi-eement with 
the Administration and its measures, Avithdrew from 
the Cabinet. 

August 20. General Wayne, at the battle of the 
INIaumee, defeated the hostile Indian tribes of the 



GEORQK WASniNGTON. 35 

North-west, and secured from them the territory out 
of which have been formed the States of Ohio and 
Indiana, (a part of it). 

During this year also occurred the "Whisky Re- 
])ellion" of Pennsylvania. Secret societies were 
formed in order to resist the payment of a duty on 
Whisky. Washington called out a military force of 
15,000, and the opposition at once subsided, and 
without resort to arms. 

1795, 

June 24. Jay's treaty with England encountered 
the most violent opposition, l)ccause it enforced the 
payment of English debts, and failed to ];)rohibit the 
impressment of American seamen. Jay was burned 
in effigy ; and at a public meeting, stones were 
thrown at Hamilton. 

This year the Connecticut School fund — now over 
$2,000,000— was formed. 

A treaty with Spain determined the boundaries of 
Florida, and secured the free navigation -of the Mis- 
sissippi. 

1796. 

March 7- April 7. A debate of remarkable ability 
and eloquence was continued by the members of the 
House witli reference to the English Treaty, its 
merits, and the constitutional limits of the treaty- 
making, and the treaty-ratifying power. 

April 30. The House voted an appropriation of 
$90,000 in order to execute the Treaty with Great 
Britain. It embraced three points : 



36 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

1. The execution of those parts of the Treaty of 
1783, which remained unexecuted. (The British 
had not yet vacated all the posts along the lakes.) 

2. The settlement of disputes, or questions of In- 
ternational Law. 

3. Stipulations for regulating the commercial and 
other intercourse between the two nations. 

June 1. Tennessee was received into the Union 
as the sixteenth State. ^ 

September 17. Washington, declining to be a can- 
didate for a third term of office, issued his celebrated 
Farewell Address. 

1797. 

February 8. The • electoral votes were opened and 
counted in the presence of both branches of Congress. 
Adams and Jefferson were declared elected. 

February 22. The Treaty with the Dey and Re- 
gency of Algiers was ratified by Congress, and an 
appropriation to confirm its conditions, w^as voted by 
the House of Representatives. The whole cost of 
securing immunity from the pirates of the Barbary 
States, the free navigation of the Mediterranean to 
American ships, and the release of American citizens 
and seamen, who had been taken captive, and were 
still held as prisoners, amounted to about one million 
dollars. The alternative was war, and some prepara- 
tion had been made in the event of such an emer- 
gency. ''A war with Algiers," it has been said, 
"then a formidable power, (and of course with the 
rest of the Barbary States,) was a very serious under- 
takinor for the United States at that time — the cost 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 37 

great and certain — the issue uncertain. The great- 
est powers of Europe paid tribute to those bar- 
baric pirates, and it was no disgrace to the infant 
United States to do the same." 

March 3. The administration of Washington was 
very successful. It was beset with difficulties and 
hindrances, but the spirit of wisdom and conciliation, 
which marked the leaders of that period, made it 
possible to institute our present representative gov- 
ernment. Moderate expenses, moderate taxes, and 
moderate duties simplified the difficult problem of 
finances. Abroad several important treaties had 
been secured, and, by one of them, war had been 
averted. Washington observed a strict neutrality 
during the war of France and England, and did not 
suffer popular sympathy to go astray. At home, the 
hostile Indian tribes had been subjugated, and a 
formidable insurrection had been peaceably subdued 
by the mere exhibition of military power. Public 
credit was elevated by the assumption of the State 
debts, and the world saw that there was both the 
willingness and the ability to pay every dollar of 
debt Trade, commerce and agriculture, touched by 
the magic power of peace and protection, sprang into 
renewed life and activity. A constant tide of immi- 1 
gration set in, and new states were rapidly formed. 
The nation had now been safely conducted from a 
losely -jointed and inadequate confederacy to a more 
compact and durable form of goverment, and Wash- 
ington with the honors of war and the still brighter 
laurels of peace thick upon him, longed for rest and 
retirement. The second term being now ended, he 



38 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

was enabled to carry out his long-cherished wishes, 
and having witnessed, as a private citizen, the inau- 
guration of his successor, he withdrew to Mt. Vernon, 
where peace and plenty crowned with happiness and 
tranquility the decline of an eventful and illusitrous 
career. 



X. POLITICAL PARTIES. 

Differences in public opinion began to operate with 
more force and celerity, as Congress entered upon 
the continuous and systematic work of legislation. 
Sectional interests, in some cases, convictions of 
right and duty in others, or strong and prevailing in- 
clinations to particular lines of public policy, in still 
others, became some of the dominating principles 
about which political parties began to crystalize. 

In the beginning, the mode of electing the Presi- 
dent and Vice President was attended without any 
cumbrous political machinery. The main design ap- 
apers to have been the selection of the best man for 
the executive head of the nation, and it was supposed 
that a body of electors would exercise such choice 
with more wisdom and ability than belonged to the 
common people ; and for this reason the electors were 
left entirely free to vote by ballot for two persons, of 
whom one, at least, should not be an inhabitant of 
the same State with themselves. 

^Ye may enumerate some of the questions from 
which party lines began to divide : 

1. The location of the permanent seat of the 
government brought out sectional interests. 



GB3RGE WASHINGTON. 39 

2. The assumption of the State debts was op- 
posed by Jefferson and his adherents. There was no 
opposition to the funding of the Continental debt. 

3. The Tariff question was as much a difficulty 
to adjust then as now, and produced the same disa- 
greement. 

4. The establishment of the United States Bank 
was a measure of great importance, and one which 
subsequently furnished the occasion for a most per- 
sistent political struggle. The two parties also were 
destined to change places in their advocacy of this 
measure and its expediency. 

5. Slavery began, even at this early day, to be a 
vexing question, and the forces which afterwards be- 
came so deadly in their opposition to each other were 
just beginning to disclose themselves. Petitions 
against its continuance, on the one hand ; a determ- 
ination to protect it by enactments, on the other, 
gave warning of that fierce storm which although 
now not larger than a man's hand, was eventually to 
spread over the entire land, and break in great fury. 

6. The Treaty with England, remarkable for 
what it yielded, rather than for what it obtained, 
formed another occasion for separation in political 
thought and conviction. 

7. The centralization of power in the Federal 
government, awakened the opposition of the Eepub- 
licans, who were jealous of State rights. On the one 
side, there seemed to be an undue leaning to mon- 
archial forms and ideas ; and on the other, a too great 
partiality for a popular and free government, such as 



40 



THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS* 



was then being tried in France, during the Revolution. 
It is doubtless well that these two antagonisms con- 
tinue to exist in a representative government, so that 
neither anarchy nor despotism can ever gain the 
ascendency. 

From the discussion and agitation of these and 
kindred topics, two parties sprang into being — the 
Federal and the Eepublican. Jefferson, Madison and 
Randolph became the leaders of the opposition, and 
soon gathered about themselves a young and vigorous 
party. Hamilton and Adams were the chiefs of the 
Federalists and gave to the administration of Wash- 
ington and its measures, their powerful support. 
The Federalists were also called ''Monarchists" and 
"Aristocrats," on account of their supposed tenden- 
cies; and the Republicans, "Anti-federal" and ''Anti- 
centralization." The electoral vote showed that these 
two parties were numerically very nearly equal. 



XI. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. 

The Public Debt of the United States originated 
in 1790, when by vote of Congress the State debts, 
in the sum of $21,000,000, were assumed, and the 
arrearages of interest on the Continental and State 
debts were funded and consolidated with the principal. 



Year. 


riiblic Debt. 


Expenditures. 


Exports. 


Imports. 


1791 


$75,463,476 


$ 7,207,539 


$19,012,041 


$29,200,000 


1792 


77,227,924 


9,141,569 


20,753,098 


31,500,000 


1793 


80,352,634 


7,529,575 


26,109,572 


31,000,000 


1794 


78,427,400 


9,302,124 


33,026,233 


34,000,000 


1795 


80,747,587 


10,405,009 


47,989,472 


69,756,268 


1796 


1 83,762,172 


8,367,776 


67,064,097 


81,436.164 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 41 

XII. OUTLINE OF CONCURRENT EVENTS. 

England ; George III., King, William Pitt, prime 
minister, Fox and Sheridan lead opposition, Burke 
''On French Revolution," war with Holland 1795, 
vrith Spain 1796, Increase of East India possessions. 

France : The Kevolution of 1789, Jacobin Club, 
Louis XVI. beheaded January 21, 1793, Reign of 
Terror to 1791, Robespierre against the Girondists, 
First Coalition against France 1794, Robespierre guil- 
lotined 1794, Bonaparte in Italy 1796, Executive Di- 
rectory 1795-97. 

Germany : Francis II., Sovereign 1792-1835, war 
with France 1793, Bonaparte at Rivoli 1797. 

Prussia; Frederick William II. 1786-1797. 

Switzerland : Helvetian Republic 1798, Struggle 
against Centralization, French Invasion. 

Russia : Catharine 11. (widow of Peter) 1762-96, 
war against the Porte 1787-1792, with Sweden 1788- 
1790, Alliance with England 1793, Partition of Po- 
land 1795, Paul Czar 1796—1801. 

Denmark : Christian VII. to 1808- 

Sweden : Gustavus VI. to 1809. 

Belgium : Revolt 1787—1791, United to France 
1797. 

Spain and Portugal: Charles IV. 1788—1808, 
French Invasion 1794. 

Turkey : Selim HI. 1789—1807, war with Aus- 
tria and Russia, Ismail taken 1790. 

Europe in a state of ferment and unrest. A period 
of great political changes. 



CHAPTER II. 

THE ABMINISTEATION OF JOHN ADAMS. 

Federal. One Term, 1797 to 1801. 



I. CABINET. 

PRESIDENT. 

1797. John Adams, Massachusetts. 

YICE PRESIDENT. 

1797. Thomas Jefierson, Virginia. 

SECBETARIES OF STATE. 

1797. Timothy Pickering, Massachusetts. 
1800. John Marshall, Virginia. 

SECRETARIES OF THE TREASURY. 

1797. Oliver Wolcott, Connecticut. 
1800. Samuel Dexter, Massachusetts. 

SECRETARIES OF WAR. 

1797. James McHenry, Maryland. 

1800. Samuel Dexter, Massachusetts. 

1801. Roger Griswold, Connecticut. 

SECRETARIES OP THE NAVY. 

1798. George Cabot, Massachusetts (declined). 
1798. Benjamin Stoddart, Maryland. 

POSTMASTER GENERAL. 

1797. Joseph Habersham, Georgia. 

ATTORNEY GENERAL. 

1797. Charles Lee, Virginia. 



JOHN ADAMS. 43 

11. CHIEF JUSTICES OF THE SUPKEME COURT. 

1800. December 19, John Jay, New York. (De- 
clined the appointment,') 

1801. January 31, John Marshall, Virginia. 

III. SENATORS ELECTED PRESIDENTS PRO 
TEMPORE OF THE SENATE. 

1797. July, William Bradford, Ehode Island. 

1797, November, Jacob Read, South Carolina. 

1798. June, Theodore Sedgwick, Massachusetts. 

1798. December, John Lawrence, New York. 

1799. March, James Eoss, Pennsylvania. 

1799. December, Sam. Livermore, New Hampshire. 

1800. May, Uriah Tracy, Connecticut. 

1800. November, John E. Howard, Maryland. 

1801. February, James Hillhouse, Connecticut. 

ly. SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- 
TATIVES. 

V. Congress, 1797, Jonathan Dayton, New Jersey, 
V* " 1797, George Dent, Maryland. 

VI. '' 1799, Theodore Sedgwick, Massachu- 

setts. 

V. THE THIRD ELECTION. 
John Adams, 71 ; Thomas Jefferson, 68 ; Thomas 
Pinckney, S. C, 95 ; Aaron Burr, N, Y., 30; Samuel 
Adams, Mass., 15 ; Oliver Ellsworth, Conn., 11 ; 
John Jay, N. Y., 5 ; George Clinton, N. Y., 7; S. 
Johnson, S* C, 2; James Iredel, N. C, 3; George 
Washington, Va., 2; C. C. Pinckney, S. C, 1; John 
Henry, Md., 2. Total, 139. Sixteen States voted. 



44 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

This election presents the peculiar feature of electing 
the chiefs of the two opposing parties ; Adams, the 
leader of the federalists, becoming President, and 
Jefferson, the foremost republican. Vice President. 

VI. POPULATION AND REPRESENTATION. 

1800. Whites 4,304,489, free colored 108,395, and 
slaves 893,041. Total, 5,305,925. 

The ratio of Kepresentation for 1800 to 1810 was 
fixed at 33,000, making 142 members. 

YII. HISTORICAL RECOPvD. 
1797. 

March 4. Inauguration of Adams and Jeiferson. 

May 15. An extra session of Congress convened 
on account of complications with France and a suspen- 
sion of diplomatic intercourse with the French Re- 
public. The session was brief, and accomplished the 
two objects for which it was called. It prepared for 
defense, and three frigates — Constitution, Constella- 
tion and United States — were at once built and 
manned. A detachment of 80,000 militia was author- 
ized. Its second object, to provide additional revenue 
for defense, was secured by passing a stamp duty, 
imposing a tax on salt, and authorizing a loan. *' De- 
fense was the great object of the session ; invasion the 
danger ; and its repulse by land and sea the remedy." 

November 30. Another memorial of the Quakers 
praying for redress of grievances, the abolition of 
slavery, and the discouragement of every species of 
extravagance, luxury, vice and dissipation; It was 
referred to a committee, who reported, Feb. 14, 1798, 



JOHN -ADAMS. 45 

tlie following resolution, to-wit : ''That the memo- 
rialists have leave to withdraw the said memorial and 
address." The motion prevailed. 
1798. 

January 8. President Adams declared in his mes- 
sage, that the Eleventh Amendment (proposed March 
15, 1794) had received a three-fourths ratification of 
the States, and was a part of the Constitution, 

February 15. A Fracas occurred in the House. 
Mr. Griswold gave Mr. Lyon a severe caning, while 
the latter was writing at his desk. A resolution to 
censure, was defeated by a vote of 48 to 47. 

April 25. The Department of the Navy was crea- 
ted by a close party vote of 47 to 41. The Republi- 
cans, (in the minority,) were opposed to the establish- 
ment of a Navy. 

May 18. Congress voted to raise a provisional 
army of 20,000 men, and an appropriation of $150,- 
000 for equipment. 

July 10. The Alien and Sedition Laws were passed. 
The violent denunciation heaped upon the administra- 
tion by the friends and emisaries of France seemed to 
call for these acts. By the Alien law power was con- 
ferred upon the President to expel such persons as he 
might find, who were plotting against the public peace 
and authority. The Sedition act was designed to re- 
strict the bitterness of free speech, and the violent 
criticism of the press. These measures were passed 
l)y the Federal party and had the effect of making it 
extremely unpopular. J. Q. Adams has remarked, 
" that if Jefferson and Madison deemed the Alien and 
Sedition acts plain and palpable infractions of the 



46 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

Constitution, AVasliington and Patrick Henry held 
them to be good and wholesome laws." 

July. Active preparations were made for war. 
An extra session convened for this purpose* "Wash- 
ington was appointed Lieutenant-General and Com- 
mander-in-chief, but subsequent events rendered it 
unnecessary for him to take the field. 
1799. 

February 8. The House voted to enlarge the Navy. 
The Federalists were again opposed by the Repub- 
licans in this measure. 

December 14. AYashington expired suddenly at 
Mt. Vernon, in the sixty-eighth year of his age. He 
was left childless, that his country might call him 
father. It has been permitted to but few men to gain 
such universal fame, admiration and love, as did 
"Washington. In every land his name is honored, 
and in him humanity found a friend. He was con- 
tent to be president for a few years, when he might 
have made himself king, or dictator for life. Such is 
true greatness and excellence of character. 
1800. 

January 2. Free men of color, of Philadelphia, 
petitioned the House for a revision of the Slave laws. 
It was voted that Congress had no authority in the 
matter. 

August. The Seat of Government was perma- 
nently removed to "Washington ; Maryland and "Vir- 
ginia having ceded a tract of 10 miles square for the 
location of the new city. 

September 30. A Treaty of Peace made with 
France. The war, if such it may be called, was 



JOHN ADAMS. 47 

wholly confined to the sea, and consisted mainly in 
commercial depredations. The French had taken an 
American schooner; the "Constitution" had taken a 
French frigate. The French Directory was dis- 
pleased because our country had made a treaty with 
England, and such assistance, as they expected, had not 
been rendered them in their struggle with Great Bri- 
tain. Our flag was insulted, our ambassadors sent 
to adjust differences, were not officially received, and it 
was hinted that unless a present of money was offered, 
there would be war. General Pinckney, one of the 
three envoys, replied with spirit, ''"War be it, then. 
Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute." 

A new feeling arose with the dissolution of the 
French Directory in 1799, November 10, and it was 
intimated that peace would be desirable. The Presi- 
dent appointed three envoys, who at once sailed for 
France. They found Napoleon, the first Consul of 
the Republic, at the head of affairs, and with him a 
treaty was soon concluded without much difficulty. 
The army of the United States was never called into 
the service, and there being no longer any danger of 
invasion, it was- soon after disbanded. 

During this year, the first congressional caucus for 
designating presidential candidates, is said to have 
been held in Philadelphia, and to have selected Jeffer- 
son and Burr as the Republican nominees. 

November 17. Congress held its first meeting in 
"Washington City. 

1801. 

February 11. The electoral votes for President 
were opened and counted. There was no election and 



48 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

the choice devolved on the House of Kepresentatives, 
by whom on the 36th ballot Jefferson was elected. 

Trade and commerce revived after the difficulties 
with France had been adjusted. A reaction from 
French infidelity was produced by the lawlessness of 
the Revolution, and even infidels began to discern 
that education and religion are the chief corner stones 
of republican institutions. For the conservation of 
liberty and the rational enjoyment of freedom, they 
are the only sure and abiding defense. 

VIII. POLITICAL PAETIES. 

Political feeling v/as intensified and embittered by 
a variety of circumstances. The establishment of a 
navy, and the enactment of the Alien and Sedition 
laws made a sharp division between the Republicans 
and the Federalists. These two parties were formed 
with great distinctness during the second term of 
Washington's administration. 

1. The Federal party was weakened by an intrigue 
within its own ranks. There was a secret attempt 
to displace Adams and substitute a more reliable 
party man. As a President, he was not pliable 
enough, and so did not suit the party-leaders. At a 
private caucus by the Federal members of Congress, 
it was agreed that Adams and C. C. Pinckney 
should be voted for equally; whilst they intended 
by a secret manoevre to secure the larger vote for 
Pinckney. The manner of electing the president 
at that time, made it easy to accomplish this, without 
appearing to make any open attack upon Adams. 
The cabal did not feel itself strong enough to adopt 



JOHN ADAM3 49 

an open warfare. Adams, being aware of the intrigue 
against him, determined to assail the " Essex Junto" 
— as the chief Federal leaders in Massachusetts were 
called — and to denounce them as a British faction. 
Their chief objection to Adams was that he had not 
involved the nation in a needless war with France, 
and assisted England, the Protestant bulwark of the 
world. The horrors of the Eevolution, and the Reign 
of Terror, had produced in the minds of many a re- 
vulsion of feeling against France ; and England seemed 
to them to be the only power that could stay the on- 
ward sweep of such pernicious ideas and excesses. 
The rank and file — a large number of them — of the 
Federal party, were men of wealth, culture and ability, 
and cherished a strong attachment for England ; be- 
cause there they found those ideas and principles of 
government and society most in harmony with their 
own. Hamilton, it was believed, preferred a mon- 
archical form of government, and entertained a lively 
regard for England* For this reason the Federalists 
were called ''aristocrats," "the friends of Great Bri- 
tain," and the like. 

A difference and break of friendship arose between 
Adams and Hamilton, and the latter printed a pamph- 
let for private circulation among his friends, in which 
he portrayed the character of Adams and his unfitness 
for re-election, while at the same time he tried to de- 
fend himself on some charges which Adams had made 
against him. But it was impossible to secretly circu- 
late a document like this, and it very soon found its 
way to the newspapers, where its publicity did great 
harm to the Federal cause. 

4 



50 TUB PRESIDENTS AND TUEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

2. The Kepublicans also held a secret caucus, and 
selected Jefferson and Burr as their candidates, with a 
preference for Jefferson as their presidential nominee. 
The Republican leaders, not being harrassed by dissen- 
sions in their own ranks, were able to take advantage 
of the Federal position. There was considerable sym- 
pathy in the Republican party for France. The gal- 
lant La Fayette, and French treasure, and French 
assistanca in the struggle for liberty, could never be 
forgotten, and the recent French insults and depreda- 
tions on American commerce were as nothing, when 
contrasted with great services and former friend- 
ship. It was a progressive party, headed by JefFerson, 
and full of energy and enthusiasm, and its triumph — 
even without the Alien and Sedition laws, the army 
and navy expense, the loan, the direct tax in the pro- 
gress of collection during the presidential canvass, 
the renewal of negotiations with France, and the in- 
ternal dissensions of the party — could not long have 
been delayed. It is true, many of these unpopular 
measures hastened the dissolution of the Federal 
party. It was the distinguished name of Washington, 
and the eminent ability of Hamilton, representing the 
prudence, experience, wisdom and conservatism of 
the age, that gave a twelve years lease of power to the 
Federal party. 

The result of the election proved a Republican vic- 
tory, and brought with it the death of the Federal 
party. The supremacy of Federal ideas marks the 
first period of political history. To it was allotted 
the difficult task of inaugurating the government and 
adjusting the machinery of its successful operation 



JOHN ADAMS. 



51 



in all the different branches. It gave a definite di- 
rection to our domestic and foreign policy, and started 
the government on its grand destiny. 



IX. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. 

The complications with France required an increase 
of expenditure. At the close of the administration, 
the expense was about twelve millions, but it was 
almost wholly used for the army, the navy and the 
public debt. The finances were managed with ability. 



Year. 


Public Debt. 


Expenditures. 


Exports. 


Imports. 


1797 
1798 
1799 
1800 


$82,064,479 
79,228,529 
78,408,669 
82,976,291 


$ 8,626,012 

8,613,507 

11,077,043 

11,989,739 


$56,850,206 
61,527,097 
78,665,522 
70,970,780 


$75,379,406 
68,551,700 
79,089,148 
91,252,768 



X. OUTLINE OF CONCURRENT EVENTS. 

England : Irish Rebellion 1798, (united Irishmen 
since 1793); Union of England and Ireland 1800 
Battle of Nile 1799. 

France: Revolution and three Directors 1798 
Second Coalition against France by England, Russia 
Germany, Turkey, Portugal, and Naples 1799; Revo 
lution of the 18th Brumaire 1799; Napoleon First 
Consul 1799 ; Campaign in Italy (Marengo), 1800. 

The armed Neutrality of 1800 : A confederacy of 
the Northern Powers of Europe headed by Russia 
against England. 



CHAPTER III. 

THE ADMINISTEATION OF THOMAS JEFFERSON. 

Jtepuhlican. Two Terms, 1801 to 1809. 

I. CABINET. 

PRESIDENT. 

1801. Thomas Jefferson, Virginia. 

VICE PRESIDENTS. 

1801. Aaron Burr, New York. 
1805. George Clinton, New York. 

SECRETARY OF STATE. 

1801. James Madison, Virginia. 

SECRETARIES OP THE TREASURY. 

1801. Samuel Dexter, Massachusetts. 

1802. Albert Gallatin, Pennsylvania. 

SECRETARY OF WAR. 

1801. Henry Dearborn, Massachusetts. 

SECRETARIES OF THE NAVY. 

1801. Benjamin Stoddart, Maryland. 

1802. Robert Smith, Maryland. 

1805. Jacob Crowninshield, Massachusetts. 

POSTMASTERS GENERAL. 

1801. Joseph Habersham, Georgia. 

1802. Gideon Granger, Connecticut. 

ATTOHNEYS GENERAL. 

1801 . Theophilus Parsons, Massachusetts, (declined.) 

1801. Levi Lincoln, Massachusetts. 

1805. Robert Smith, Maryland. 

1805, John Breckenridge, Kentucky. 

1807. Ciesar A. Rodney, Delaware. 



THOMAS JEFFERSON. 53 

II. SENATORS ELECTED PRESIDENTS PRO 

TEMPORE OP THE SENATE. 

1801. December, Abraham Baldwin, Georgia. 

1802. December, Stephen R. Bradley, Vermont. 

1803. October, John Brown, Kentucky. 

1804. March, Jesse Franklin, North Carolina. 

1805. January, Joseph Anderson, Tennessee, 
1805. December, Samuel Smith, Maryland. 

1808. December, Stephen R. Bradley, Vermont. 

1809. January, John Milledge, Georgia. 
1809. January, Andrew Gregg, Pennsylvania. 

III. SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- 

TATIVES. 

VII. Congress, Nathaniel Macon, North Carolina. 

VIII. " Nathaniel Macon, North Carolina, 

IX. " Nathaniel Macon, North Carolina. 

X. " Joseph B. Varnum, Massachusetts. 



IV. THE FOURTH ELECTION. 
Electoral vote : For Thomas Jefferson, 73; Aaron 
Burr, 73; John Adams, 65; Charles C. Pinckney, 
South Carolina, 64; John Jay, New York, 1. Total, 
138* Sixteen States voted. There was no choice. 
Jefferson and Burr, having the greatest number, and 
a majority of all the electors, the choice was transferred 
to the House of Representatives. On the first ballot, 
eight states voted for Jefferson, six for Burr ; the 
votes of two states were divided and cast blank- The 
votes of nine states (a majority) were necessary to se- 
cure election. The ballots were repeated thirty-five 
times, and with exactly the same results. The voting 
began "Wednesday, February 11, and continued from 



54 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIB ADMINISTRATIONS. 

day to day, until one o'clock, p. m., February 17, 
when it stood : For Jefferson, ten states ; for Burr, 
four ; and blank, two. 

This protracted contest produced great excitement, 
and the result appears to have been wholly due to 
the efforts of Alexander Hamilton. A majority in 
the Federal party were inclined to give their support 
to Aaron Burr, and this would, of course, have se- 
cured his election as President. Hamilton, however, 
believing Burr to be a corrupt man, was convinced 
that his election would prove a public "calamity." 
He said, " If there be a man in the world I ought to 
hate, it is Jefferson. With Burr I have always been 
personally well. But the public good must be para- 
mount to every private consideration." James A. 
Bayard, Delaware, whose vote finally decided the 
election, was induced to give the casting vote through 
the influence of Hamilton, as appears from a series 
of letters which passed between them on this subject. 

The dangers to the country in the mode of selecting 
the President, which this struggle disclosed, led to the 
adoption of the twelfth amendment, by which the 
President and Vice President are voted for separately 
on distinct lists and each independently of the other. 
A majority of all the votes cast for either officer is 
necessary to election. 

V. THE FIFTH ELECTION. 
Electoral vote : For President, Thomas Jefferson, 
162 votes; C. C. Pmckney, 14. For Vice President: 
George Clinton, New York, 162 votes ; Rufus King, 
New York, 14. Total, 176. Seventeen states voted. 
A strict party separation. 



THOMAS JBFFERSON, 55 

VI. HISTORICAL RECORD. 
1801. 

Marcli 4. Jefferson took the oath of office as Presi- 
dent in the city of Washington. The first inaugura- 
tion occurred in New York City, the second and third 
in Philadelphia. 

June. The Bashaw of Tripoli declared war against 
the United States. The Barbary powers — Tunis, 
Tripoli, Algiers, and Morocco — the Northern States 
of Africa, were accustomed to prey upon the com- 
merce of the world. The Tripolitans especially be- 
came very troublesome at this time. They boarded 
and plundered many of our vessels, and carried away 
American citizens into a captivity worse than death. 

December 10. The President, instead of delivering 
a speech, as had been customary hitherto at the open- 
ing of Congress, sent a message, and established a 
precedent which has been the practice ever since. 
The former method was too close a copy of British 
procedure on similar occasions, and besides many 
days of debate were consumed by the members of 
Congress in agreeing upon the suitable terms of reply. 
1802. 

January 2. A stenographic reporter was admitted 
for the first time within the area of the Senate Cham- 
ber. The House voted to receive one in their Cham- 
ber five days later. Previously reporters were com- 
pelled to go to the galleries, where verbatim reporting 
was next to impossible. 

January 6 — February 3. The Senate subjected 
the Judiciary System to a most thorough criticism, 
and after a very elaborate and profound debate, the 
resolution to repeal the act was passed by a Kepubli- 



56 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIK ADMINISTRATIONS. 

can majority of one vote. The repeal was carried in 
the House, on March 3d, by a vote of 59 to 32. 

April 2. Georgia ceded her \yestern Territory — 
including what is now the States of Alabama and 
Mississippi — to the Union w^ith the express stipulation 
that the Ordinance of 1787 " shall in all its parts ex- 
tend to the territory contained in the present cast of 
cession, the article only excepted which forbids sla- 
very." 

November 19. Ohio admitted as the seventeenth 
State. 

An effort was made to suspend the Ordinance of 
1787 in Indiana. A petition to Congress was framed 
by a convention of which General Harrison was chair- 
man. 

A uniform law of naturalization was passed this 
year whereby the act of 1795 was re-affirmed, which 
required a residence of five years, and an application 
three years prior to admission. 
1803. 
April 30. The Territory of Louisiana, embracing 
one million square miles, and extending from the Mis- 
sissippi to the Pacific, was purchased from France for 
$15,000,000. Ten states, two territories, and parts 
of two other states have since been formed out of this 
magnificent domain. 

Napoleon, who was just entering upon his remark- 
able military career as a ruler, needed money for his 
ambitious schemes, and was quite willing to make 
the transfer. He desired to build up a rival to the 
power of England. " This accession of territory," he 
remarked, ** strengthens forever the power of the 



THOMAS JEFFERSON. 57 

United States, and I have just given to England a 
maritime rival that will sooner or later humble her 
pride." 

The United States, however, were most anxious to 
make the purchase, and the statesmen of that day- 
considered the free navigation of the Mississippi in- 
dispensable to our growth and prosperity. 

Louisiana, named after the French king, was ceded 
to Spain in 1762, and in 1802 it was receded to 
France, but did not pass under French rule. The 
Spanish governor, who still held possession, closed the 
port of New Orleans to American ships, with great 
detriment to our commerce. The Mississippi and the 
Louisiana questions were seriously debated by Con- 
gress, and it was voted to secure if possible the pur- 
chase of Louisiana. 

The accomplishment of this object has justly been 
regarded as the great event of Jefferson's administra- 
tion. 

The Kaskaskies ceded their title to the greater 
portion of what is now the State of Illinois. 

On account of commercial difficulties with Tripoli, 
a fleet was sent to the Mediterranean, under com- 
mand of Commodore Preble, to protect American 
commerce and secure immunity from future depre- 
dations. The frigate Philadelphia, while blockading 
Tripoli, was stranded in the harbor, and taken by 
the Tripolitans. The entire crew, including Captain 
Bainbridge, were capturfed, and the men reduced to 
slavery. 

October 17. Jefferson in his message to Congress 
expressed his determination to maintain neutrality 



53 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

bet^veen the contending powers of Europe. In his 
words, *'we should be most unwise indeed were we 
to cast away the singular blessings of the position in 
which Nature has placed us ; the opportunity she has 
endowed us with of pursuing, at a distance from for- 
eign contentions, the paths of industry, peace, and 
happiness, of cultivating general friendship, and of 
bringing collisions of interest to the umpire of reason 
rather than of force." 

December 12. The Twelfth Article of Amend- 
ments to the Constitution was proposed. The fol- 
lowing year it was adopted by the necessary vote of 
ratification. 

1804. 

February 3. The Philadelphia was recaptured 
and destroyed by Decatur — a most brilliant exploit. 

July 11. Hamilton was killed in a duel with Burr 
at Weehauken, New Jersey. The sad event pro- 
duced a profound impression. The quarrel between 
them was entirely of a political nature. Hamilton 
had opposed him at a time when Burr could have 
been elected President, and had also contributed to 
his defeat when a candidate for the governorship of 
New York. Hamilton had pronounced him a bad 
and corrupt man, who was totally unfit to be trusted 
with oflaces of commanding influence and. responsi- 
bility, and by nature one who, when circumstances 
required, would not hesitate to commit crime. 

The recollection of these bitter worcjs and prevail- 
ing opposition rankled in his breast, and nothing but 
the life of Hamilton could atone for such oflTences. 
Subsequent events fully confirmed the ovil opinion 



THOMAS JEFFERSON. 59 

which he had formed of Burr's character. By this 
most unfortunate occurrence, the nation was deprived 
of one of its most useful and talented citizens. 

What an impressive commentary upon the baneful 
** Code of Honor." 

1805. 

April 29. Derne, a city of Tripoli, was taken by 
General Eaton, assisted by Hamet, the elder brother 
of the Bashaw of Tripoli, whom the latter had de- 
posed. They then advanced to take the capitol, but 
"before this could be effected, peace was concluded 
June 3, and the war put to an end. 

March 4. The second inauguration of Jefferson. 

1806. 

May 6. England, engaged in war with France, 
declared the French coast in a state of blockade. 

November 20. Napoleon, after the battle of Jena, 
having entered Berlin as conqueror, issued in retalia- 
tion the so called '' Berlin Decree," by which he de- 
clared the British Islands to be in blockade. 

1807. 

January 7. As a counter decree to this, the 
"British Orders in Council" were issued, and all 
French ports from which British ships had been ex- 
eluded, were affirmed to be blockaded. This act was 
renewed November 11. 

January 27. Aaron Burr was arrested on an in- 
dictment of a political nature, and the man who 
wanted but ono vote of being elected President was 
thrown into a common jail. He was tried at Kich- 



60 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

mond, Va., (Chief Justice Marshall presiding), on 
two charges ; first, for high treason in levying war 
against the United States, and second, for setting on 
foot a military expedition against Spain, with whom 
the United States were at peace, the object of which 
was to establish an independent empire. He was 
acquitted, because on the first point, the facts proved 
did not amount to levying war against the United 
States; on the second, because the Court had no 
jurisdiction, the alleged ofience having been com- 
mittted in the State of Ohio. Colonel Burr was 
bound over to appear in Ohio and answer to this 
charge, but he forfeited the recognizance by fleeing 
the country and remaining many years in volun- 
tary exile. This event completed the political pros- 
tration of Burr and marked his disappearance from 
public life. 

June 22. The *' Leopard" fired into the " Chesa- 
peake," an American frigate, boarded her, and de- 
manded the right to search for British deserters, 
Englajid held the doctrine 'Hhat once an English- 
man forever an Englishman." Four men were 
claimed and forcibly taken as deserters. 

July 2. Congress retaliated by passing an act to 
compel British armed vessels to leave American 
ports. 

September 14. Steam navigation witnessed its 
commencement in the successful launching of Ful- 
ton's little steam-boat, the *'Cleremont." After a 
partial failure, the trip to Albany from New York 
was made in thirty-six hours. During a number of 
years the Hudson floated the only steam-boat in the 



THOMAS JEFFERSON, 61 

world. Its rate of sailing was five miles an hour. 

December 17. Napoleon issued the "Milan De- 
cree," which interdicted all continental trade with 
England. 

December 22. American commerce suffered se- 
verely from these decrees and counter-decrees of 
France and England, and Congress accordingly 
passed the ''Emgargo Act," to restrain all American 
-vessels from leaving port* This Act was strongly 
opposed and denounced by the Middle and New Eng- 
land States, because they were chiefly engaged in 
commercial transactions. 

1808. 

January. The Eepublican party was gaining the 
ascendency in nearly all the States, A Eepublican 
Caucus was held to determine between the relative 
claims of Madison and Monroe for the Presidency. 
The Legislature of Virginia, said to have been potent 
in making Presidents, was unable to decide between 
their claims. Ninety-four out of one hundred and 
thirty-six Republican members of Congress attended 
the Caucus, and the first position was given to Madi- 
son by a vote of 83 members. 

1809. 

February 8. The electoral votes were counted and 
the result announced for James Madison and George 
Clinton. 

March 1. The "Embargo Act" was repealed and 
the "Non-intercourse Act" was substituted in its 
stead. It was entitled, "An act to interdict the com- 
mercial intercourse between the United States and 



62 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

Great Britain and France and their dependencies, 
and for other purposes." 

March 3. The administration of Jefferson had 
been conducted with great skill. The acquisition of 
Louisiana, adding very nearly one million square 
miles — more exactly 899,519 — to the public domain 
was an event whose importance to the greatness and 
prosperity of the Republic, can hardly be overesti- 
mated. The finances during the last two years w^ere 
somewhat disturbed by the various decrees and 
edicts of France and England against the commerce 
of neutrals. These complications, by which insult 
had been heaped upon injury, and injury upon in- 
sult, greatly embarrassed the government, and ren- 
dered an increased expenditure necessary. They 
also stirred up the spirit of v/ar and set on foot war- 
like preparations. The Embargo and Non-inter- 
course acts, the building of forts and ships, and the 
equipment of troops, both militia and regular, dis- 
closed a determination on the part of the United 
States to appeal to arms and secure by force the 
rights of seamen and of neutrals. 



VII. POLITICAL PARTIES. 

The two parties were still continued in their organ- 
ization and opposition. The States passed gradually 
from Federal to Republican control. In 1805, when 
the Ninth Congress convened, it was found that the 
Republicans Avere largely in the majority, whilst the 
Federal party were represented by merely seven 
Senators and twenty-five members of the House. 



THOMAS JEFFERSON, 63 

Still the party, by the great ability of its leaders, 
formed a strong minority. 

1. The Republican party prepared for the can- 
vass of 1804, by renominating Mr. Jefferson for 
President and substituting the name of George Clin- 
ton for Aaron Burr who had, by a break with Jeffer- 
son, politically ruined himself, for Vice President. 

In the Presidential canvass of 1808, Mr. Jefferson 
declining a third term, it was a matter of debate 
whether the position should be given to Madison, 
Monroe, or George Clinton ; but finally the triangular 
contest was closed, and the field left clear for Madi- 
son and Clinton as candidates for President and 
Vice President. 

2. The Federal party, designating by a Congress- 
ional caucus C, C. Pinckney and Rufus King as 
their standard bearers, went into the canvass of 1804, 
but without any chances of success. 

In 1808 the strength of the Federal vote was 
given for the second time to C. C. Pinckney and 
Eufus King, and they received a support which 
proved numerically much greater than the vote cast 
for them in 1804. 

The Embargo Act formed the chief touchstone of 
party principle and separation in the election of 1808. 
The bill had passed the Senate by 22 to 6 votes, and 
the House by 82 to 44. "This measure rekindled," 
it has been said, " the old fire of party. He that 
was for the Embargo was a ' Democrat ; ' he that was 
against it, a * Federalist.' It was a waU between the 
parties, to be seen and almost felt with the hand (so 
strong was it), in every State, city, county, town, 



64 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIll ADMINISTRATIONS. 

village and hamlet of tlie United States, and in every 
class and condition of the people, high or low, rich 
or poor." It may be remarked that the words "Re- 
publican" and "Democrat'" in certain sections of 
the county, were used interchangeably. This act 
affecting the money interest of a large class gave 
more strength to the Federal party than it would 
otherwise have possessed. 

During this administration the "impressment" of 
American seamen assumed a serious aspect from the 
frequency with which Great Britain exercised the 
*' right.'* At one time, there were over 6,000 namea 
of American citizens on the books of the State De- 
partment, who had been forcibly taken and placed 
in the British Navy. 



VIII. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. 

The receipts of external duties were much larger 
than at any previous time. Upwards of eight millions 
of dollars, principal and interest, of public debt was 
extinguished in 1802, with a surplus in the treasury 
of four millions and a half of dollars. The purchase 
of Louisiana added, above the first payment, nearly 
thirteen million dollars to the debt, of which the 
greater part was payable in fifteen years. 

The effect of the Embargo on the resources of the 
government was hardly perceptible at the outset. 
Importations were still allowed, with the view of 
getting home American property abroad. There was 
a surplus of $17,000,000 in the Treasury, when the 
Embargo was enacted, and this was more than suffi- 



THOMAS JEFFERSON. 



65 



cient for the expenditure of an entire year. In 1808 
the Secretary of the Treasury reported that the next 
year would commence with money and bonds on hand 
to the amount of $16,000,000. By reference to the 
column of expenditures, it will be seen that about 
thirteen millions was the annual current expense. It 
must be understood that this sum included the reim- 
bursement of public debt and interest thereon. 



Year. 


Public Debt. 


Expenditures. 


Exporta. 


Imports. 


1801 
1802 
1803 
1804 
1805 
1806 
1807 
1808 


$82,038,050 
80,712,632 
77,054,686 
86,427,120 
82,312,150 
75,723,270 
69,218,398 
65,196,317 


$12,273,376 
13,276,084 
11,258,983 
12,624,646 
13,727,124 
15,070,093 
11,292,292 
16,764,584 


$ 94,115,925 
72,483,160 
55,800,083 
77,699,074 
95,566,021 
101,536,963 
108,343,151 
22,430960 


$111,363,513 

76,333,366 

64,066,613 

185,000,000 

120,600,000 

129,410,000 

138,500,000 

56,990,000 



IX. OUTLIISE OF CONCURRENT EVENTS. 

England : Nelson bombarded Copenhagen, which 
put an end to the armed neutrality of 1801; Nelson 
died in 1805 at Trafalgar ; treaty with Spain to re- 
cognize no other king of Spain than Ferdinand VII , 
and to assist with all her forces against France 1802. 

France : Concordat with Rome 1801 ; Peace of 
Amiens 1802; Napoleon L, Emperor 1804-1814; 
Third Coalition against France by England, Russia, 
Naples and Austria ; Fourth Coalition by England, 
Prussia, Russia and Saxony. 

Germany : Dissolution of the German Empire 
1806; Confederation of the Rhine till 1813. 



CHAPTER IV. 

THE ADMINISTRATION OF JAMES MADISON. 

Republican. Tioo Terms, 1809 to 1817. 



I. CABINET. 

TRESIDENT. 

1809. Jiimes Madison, Virginia. 

VICE TRESIDEXTS. 

1809. George Clinton, New York, (died April 20t/i, 
1812.) 

1813, Elbridge Gerry, Massachusetts, (died Nov. 
23J, 1814.) 

SECRETARIES OF STATE. 

1809. Robert Smith, Maryland. 
1811. James Monroe, Virginia. 

SECRETARIES OF THE TREASURY. 

1809. Albert Gallatin, Pennsylvania. 

1814. G. W. Campbell, Tennessee. 
1814. Alexander J. Dallas, Pennsylvania. 

SECRETARIES OF WAR. 

1809. William Eustis, Massachusetts. 

1813. John Armstrong, New York. 

1814. James Monroe, Virginia. 

1815. William H. Crawford, Georgia. 

SECRETARIES OF THE NAVY. 

1809. Paul Hamilton, South Carolina* 

1813. William Jones, Pennsylvania. 

1614. Benjamin W. Crowninshield, Massachusetts. 



JAMES MADISON. 67 



POSTMASTERS GENERAL. 

1809. Gideon Granger, Connecticut. 
1814. R. J. Meigs, Ohio. 

ATTORNEYS GENERAL. 

1809. Caesar A. Eoclney, Delaware. 
1811. William Pinckney, Maryland. 
1814. Richard Rush, Pennsylvania. 



II. SENATOES ELECTED PRESIDENTS PRO 
TEMPORE OF THE SENATE. 

1810. February, John Gaillard, South Carolina. 

1811. February, John Pope, Kentucky. 

1812. March, William H. Crawford, Georgia. 

1813. December, Joseph B. Varnum, Massachusetts. 

1814. April, John Gaillard, South Carolina. 

III. SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- 
TATIVES. 

XI. Congress, Joseph B. Varnum, Massachusetts. 

XII. '' Henry Clay, Kentucky. 

XIII. '' Henry Clay, Kentucky. 

" " Langdon Cheves, South Carolina. 

XIV. '' Henry Clay, Kentucky. 



IV. THE SIXTH ELECTION. 
Electoral vote : For President, James Madison, 
122; George Clinton, 6; C. C. Pinckney, 47. For 
Vice President: George Clinton, 113; James Madi- 
son, 3; James Monroe, Virginia, 3; John Langdon, 
New Hampshire, 9; Rufus King, New York, 47. 
Total, 175. Seventeen States voted. 



63 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

V. THE SEVENTH ELECTION. 
Electoral vote : For President, James Madison, 
128; DeWitt Clinton, New York, 89. For Vice 
President: Elbridge Gerry, 131; Jared Ingersoll, 
Pennsylvania, SQ, Total, 217. Eighteen States 
voted. 

VI. POPULATION AND REPRESENTATION. 

1810. Whites, 5,862,004 ; Free colored, 186,446; 
Slaves, 1,191,364. Total, 7,239,814. 

The Eatio of Representation was fixed at 35,000, 
giving a membership of 182. 

VIL HISTORICAL RECORD. 
1809. 

March 4. Madison and Clinton inaugurated as 
President and Vice President of the United States. 

March-November. The affair of the " Chesa- 
peake " was fully debated by Congress. 
1810. 

January 5. The committee on rules and orders 
proposed to give to the previous question the force it 
now has of stopping all debate, but the proposal was 
rejected as a new sedition law and an unconstitutional 
scheme to smother debate. 

February 9. Robert Fulton communicated to the 
Senate his invention of a sub-marine torpedo, and 
proposed to give a lecture to Congress in illustration 
of its plan. An appropriation of $5,000 was after- 
wards voted for the purpose of experiment. 



JAMES MADISON. 69 

February 19. A Committee of the House re- 
ported in favor of re-chartering the Bank of the 
United States ^vhose existence would expire by lim- 
itation the following year, March 3, 1811. 

March 23. Napoleon published the ^'Kambouillet 
Decree " to prevent all French vessels from entering 
American ports and to subject all American ships 
sailing in French waters to seizure. The ocean was 
covered with cruisers of different nationalities which 
preyed upon our commerce. 

1811. 

January 19. After a very full and elaborate de- 
bate, it was decided in the House by a majority of 
one vote, and in the Senate by the casting vote of 
the Vice President, not to grant a new charter to the 
United States Bank. There was a serious defect, 
in not providing a substitute for the bank, such as a 
general currency, or an independent treasury for 
the depository of the public funds. 

March 3. The veto power exercised, for the third 
time in the history of the government, to prevent 
two bills of a religious nature from becoming laws. 

April 28. It was reported to Congress that Na- 
poleon had repealed the Berlin and Milan Decrees. 
In a debate on the subject it was disclosed that the 
repeal had been ante-dated so as to take effect from 
November 1st, 1810. 

May 16. Rencounter off the coast of Delaware 
between the ''President/' an American frigate, and 
the "Little Belt." The ''Little Belt" had eleven 
of her crew killed and twenty-one wounded, and was 



70 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

totally disabled in an action lasting from a quarter 
to three-quarters of an hour. 

During the year, Tecumseh and his twin brother, 
the Prophet, both men of remarkable talents, labored 
to stir up friendly Indians to enter into war with the 
whites. In these efforts they succeeded and collected 
quite an army. 

November 7. The battle of Tippecanoe, near La 
Fayette, Ind. Gen. Harrison with 650 men engaged 
about 600 Indians under command of the Prophet 
and defeated them. The American loss was 62 
killed and 126 wounded ; the Indians lost 150 killed. 
The Indians suddenly disappeared, leaving a w^ell- 
fortified village ; while Harrison hastened on to Vin- 
cennes in order to take care of the wounded. 

1812. 

January 29. The enrollment of an additional 
force of 10,000 men was considered by Congress. 
Measures for increasing the efficiency of the Navy 
were also discussed on March 2, and in April, an 
Embargo was passed by Congress against British 
ships. It was at once determined to prepare for war, 
and with this in view, the President was authorized 
to enlist 25,000 men, to enroll 50,000 volunteers, 
and to bring into the service of coast and frontier 
defense, 100,000 of the militia of the several States. 

April 14. Louisiana, the eighteenth State, admit- 
ted to the Union. 

June 9. "War with England appearing imminent, 
a petition was sent to Congress, signed by many mer- 
chants of the city of New York, praying that the 



JAMES MADISON. 71 

Embargo and non-importation laws be continued as 
a substitute for war against England. 

June 12. The Senate received a memorial from 
the Legislature of Massachusetts, passed June 2, 
expressing their opinion "that an offensive war 
against Great Britain under the present circum- 
stances of this country "would be in the highest de- 
gree impolitic, unnecessary and ruinous." 

June 18. War against England declared by Con- 
gress. It promptly received the President's signa- 
ture and on the following day war was officially pro- 
claimed to exist. By information afterwards fur- 
nished Congress it appeared, that 528 vessels had 
been captured by England previous t^, and 389 
since, the Orders in Council of November, 1807. 
The French seizures were 206 before, and 317 under 
the Berlin and Milan Decrees, and 45 since their al- 
leged repeal. The Danish captures amounted to 70, 
and those at Naples to 47, making a total loss of 
1,502 American ships. 

A variety of circumstances led to the war of 1812. 
1. The impressment of American seamen. 2. In- 
fringments upon our maritime jurisdiction and dis- 
turbance of the peace along the coasts. 3. The vio- 
lation of our neutral rights by the British orders in 
council, 4. Eepeated seizures of our ships while en- 
gaged in a neutral commerce under a neutral flag. 
5. The continuance to hold forts within our own ter- 
titory in violation of the treaty of 1783. 6. A sus- 
pected instigation of Indian hostilities. 7. Inflexi- 
ble persistence in these hostile acts, with no disposi- 
tion to right them* 8. There was manifested, by 



72 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

certain classes in England, under this conduct, a feel- 
ing of ill-will towards the United States. The loss 
of the American Colonies had left a wound which 
healed only at the surface. 

On the question of peace or war, the seaboard cities 
were against it; the interior and western towns, as 
being least interested in commerce, were for it. The 
declaration of war was mainly due to the influence 
of Mr. Monroe in the Cabinet and of Henry Clay in 
the House of Representatives. 

July 8. The President appointed a day of public 
humiliation and prayer in view of the approaching 
struggle with England. 

August 16. Gen. Hull surrendered Detroit with- 
out making an effort to hold it. He was afterwards 
tried for treason and condemned to be shot, but the 
President interposed and pardoned him. The two 
attempts which formed the plan for this year, to take 
Canada, proved to be signal failures. Van Renssel- 
laer crossed Niagara River and tried to take and hold 
Queenstown, but failed. Gen. Dearborn with his 
command did nothing* The condition of affairs on 
land was very discouraging, but the little Navy did 
remarkably well in grapling with the "Mistress of 
the Seas" on her vaunted element, and inflicted some 
stunning blows, which electrified the American heart. 
It is worthy of remark, that the Republican party 
did not favor the establishment of a navy. Jefferson 
advised the construction of small gun boats for river 
and harbor defense, and 150 boats of this class had 
been ordered* 



JAMES MADISON. 73 

September. Gen. Harrison assumed command of 
the Northwestern army. 

October 27. In consequence of the reported repeal 
of the French decrees, the British orders were re- 
called, and it was decided to continue the war on the 
subject of impressment. 

The year closed with many discouragements on 
land, but with bright hopes of success on the ocean. 

1813, 

The campaign this year embraced the invasion of 
Canada by three armies wdiich were to co-operate and 
finally unite for that purpose: 1. The Army of the 
Centre, commanded by Gen. Dearborn; 2. The 
Army of the North, to operate along Lake Cham- 
plain, led by Gen. Hampton; and 3. The Army of 
the West, directed by Gen. Harrison. Tecumseh, 
with the rank of Brigadier General in the royal ser- 
vice, led the Indian allies, and gave valuable assist- 
ance to the British during the war. 

January 14. The house, after an elaborate debate 
on the war, its causes and requirements, passed a bill 
to ''raise an additional military force." 

January 20. The bill to establish an astronomical 
observatory, and a first meridian for the United 
States at their permanent seat of government, was 
read the second time. 

February 10. The electoral votes were counted 
and the result declared. 

February 27. A bill, giving the power of retalia- 
tion to the President, was passed. It was approved 
ISIarch 3. 



74 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

March 4. James Madison was re-inaugurated 
President, and Elbridge Gerry Vice President of the 
United States. In the Inauguration Address, atten- 
tion was called to the manner in which the war had 
been conducted. "They have not," he said, ''taken 
into their own hands the hatchet and the knife, de- 
voted to indiscriminate massacre, but they have let 
loose the savages, armed with these cruel instru- 
ments ; have allured them into their service, and car- 
ried them to battle by their sides, eager to glut their 
savage thirst with the blood of the vanquished, and 
to finish the work of torture and death on the 
maimed and defenseless captives." " The sword was 
scarcely out of the scabbard, before the enemy was 
apprised of the reasonable terms on which it would 
be resheathed" 

March 8. Kussia ofiered to mediate between the 
United States and England. 

May 31. The President nominated Albert Gal- 
latin, John Q. Adams, and James A. Bayard, as 
commissioners to treat for peace with Great Britain 
under the proposed mediation of Kussia, but Eng- 
land refused to accept the ofier. 

The land forces, consisting of 61,000 men, with 
the exception of Gen. Harrison's army, failed to ac- 
complish anything decisive. The Army of the West 
was able to thwart the plans of Proctor and hold him 
in check. Perry's engagement on Lake Erie was a 
brilliant and important afiair. In announcing this 
victory to Gen. Harrison he very teresly wrote, "TVe 
have met the enemy and they are ours. Two ships, 
one brig, a schooner, and a sloop." Gen. Harrison 



JAMBS MADISON. 75 

also secured a decisive victory at the Battle of the 
Thames. The British were routed, Tecumseh was 
slain, Proctor barely escaped, and 5,000 small arms 
and six pieces of cannon were captured. These two 
actions gave a new issue to the war, relieved Michi- 
gan, prevented the invasion of Ohio, and secured 
the command of Lake Erie. 

The naval engagements of the year inclined to 
neither side, but fully demonstrated the ability of 
American seamen to divide the honors of the sea 
with Great Britain, and this was a moral victory of 
incalculable value. 

1814. 

January 3. Mr. Pickens, N* C, offered a resolve 
in the House to amend the Constitution "so as to 
establish a uniform mode of election of electors of 
Presidents and Vice Presidents of the United States ; 
and that mode to be by the free, fair and direct vote 
of the people in single districts." 

January 10. It was proposed by Mr Murfrie, 
Representative from North Carolina, to revive the 
grade of Lieutenant General. By the Constitution 
the President is Commander-in-chief, but it is im- 
practicable for him to take the field. A variety of 
reasons make it desirable, that this rank should be 
conferred upon some efficient and capable officer, as 
the representative of the President, and the director 
of all the forces in the field. Washington was the 
only person who had held this rank, and it had been 
abolished in his person. He had been appointed to 
that position the second time when there was a like- 
lihood of war with France. 



76 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

February 22. The House passed a bill to author- 
ize the issue of treasury notes. 

March 3. The loan bill was passed in the House 
by a vote of 97 to 55. *' It authorized a loan not to 
exceed twenty-five millions of dollars." 

March 27. The Creeks had been stirred up to 
war by Tecumseh, who visited Alabama for that pur- 
pose in 1811, and in 1813 they fell upon Fort Mimms 
and subjected the garrison, men, women and children, 
to an indiscriminate massacre. Gen. Jackson as- 
sumed command of the volunteers who were eager to 
avenge this outrage, and on the 27th of March, the 
war was brought to a close by the Battle of the 
Horse-Shoe Bend, in which 600 Indians were killed 
and the rest dispersed. 

July 25. The American Army for the last time 
invaded Canada and gained some splendid victories 
at Lundy's Lane and Chippewa, but derived from 
them no substantial benefits. New England suffered 
less in this war than the other sections of the country 
on account of their supposed friendship for England 
and their expressed opposition to the continuance of 
the war. 

August 25. The Capitol and other public build- 
ings at Washington, together with the library of 
Congress and many valuable papers, were burned by 
the British — a piece of Vandalism said to be in re- 
venge for the burning of the Parliament House at 
York. 

August 27. The Banks suspended specie pay- 
ment. A panic ensued. The public treasury was 
empty. 



JAMES MADISON. 77 

September 13. While Fort McHeniy was being 
bombarded, Francis S. Key, who was detained on an 
English vessel, where he had gone to secure the re- 
lease of a friend, wrote the famous song, " The Star 
Spangled Banner." 

December 14. The Hartford Convention grew 
out of the dissatisfacton which New England cher- 
ished against the prosecution of the war. It was 
suspected of treasonable designs and cast great odium 
upon the Federal party. 

The sessions were held in secret, and it was sup- 
posed for a long time that it had for its object, the 
dissolution of the Union. But the true history of 
this episode of the war, discloses nothing of the 
kind. Politicians know too well how to take advan- 
tage of ill-advised deliberations in the enemy's camp, 
and by a little party coloring to turn the mind 
from its just equipoise and unbiased decision. The 
convention sat twenty days in secret conclave and then 
adjourned. An address was prepared and published 
in which the delegates stated their grievances, con- 
nected with the war and its prosecution, and con- 
cluded with four resolutions and seven recommenda- 
tions as amendments to the Constitution; 

The first resolve related to the adoption of meas- 
ures to protect citizens against forcible drafts, con- 
scriptions or imprisonments not sanctioned by the 
Constitution. The second recommended that the 
States represented in the Convention should obtain 
permission from the Federal government to defend 
themselves against the enemy either separately or 
conjointly. The third advised the adoption of State 



78 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS, 

laws for the proper command, equipment and de- 
tachment of the State militia and volunteer forces. 
And the fourth proposed to the States represented by 
the Convention that their legislatures should propose, 
for the general ratification of all the States, the fol- 
lowing propositions as amendments to the Federal 
Constitution : 

1. To exclude slaves from the basis of represent- 
ation and taxation as then apportioned. 

2. To require a two-thirds concurrent vote of 
both Houses on the admission of new States. 

3. To prohibit Congress from laying an embargo 
for more than sixty days. 

4. To restrain Congress without a two-thirds con- 
currence of both Houses from interdicting commer- 
cial intercourse with foreign nations. 

5. To inhibit Congress without a two-thirds con- 
currence of both Houses from declaring war, or 
authorizing acts of hostility against any foreign na- 
tion, except in defense or cases of actual invasion. 

6. To make ineligible to any civil office under the 
federal government persons thereafter to be natural- 
ized. 

7. To limit the presidency to a single term, and 
to prevent States from proposing presidential candi- 
dates twice in succession. 

The sixth motion has a ' 'Know-Nothing" tinge, and 
the seventh was a protest against the *' Virginia Dy- 
nasty," or against Virginia, as the '' Mother of Pres- 
idents." 

Provision was made for a second meeting, if that 
should be deemed necessary. A Committee was also 



JAMES MADISON. V9 

appointed to carry their petition, or protest, to Wash- 
ington, but the treaty of peace which was signed at 
Ghent before the Convention adjourned, and which 
wae confirmed just as they arrived in AYashington, 
gave rather a ludicrous termination to the public ex- 
istence of Commissioners whose commission consisted 
in offering a protest against a war which had been 
prosecuted to a glorious termination and had secured 
by authentic treaty the substantial ends for which it 
was begun. The administration newspapers gave 
them some hits as they hastily stole back to New 
England, their occupation, like Othello's, being gone. 

The Federal party had to bear the odium of this 
fiasco, and the imputed motives of treasonable design 
completely broke the political back of the party, and 
forever prevented its return to power. 

December 24. A treaty of peace was signed at 
Ghent; but singularly it made no reference to the 
causes of the war. Its chief articles related to dis- 
putes about boundaries, and provided for their de- 
termination by commissioners thereafter to be ap- 
pointed. The impressment of seamen, however, has 
been as defiinitely settled as if it had been specif- 
ically mentioned. The rights of neutral ships, too, 
has been much more clearly recognized since the war 
of 1812. It was very unfortunate that the news 
of this treaty did not reach America — it was not 
brought before February 11th, 1815 — in time to pre- 
vent the farther and needless effusion of blood both 
on land and sea. 

The war continued two years, six months, and six 
days when reckoned from its declaration, June 19th, 



80 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

1812, to the promulgation of the treaty of peace, 
December 24th, 1814. The first battle took place at 
Fort Mackinaw, which was surprised and captured 
by the British and allied Indians, July 17th, 1812 ; 
the last important land action was the Battle of New 
Orleans, January 8th, 1815, a decided American 
victory. On the high seas, the war both began with 
an American victory, the capture of the Guerriere 
by the Constitution, August 19th, 1812, and closed 
with an American victory, the capture of the Nau- 
tilus by the Peacock, June 30th, 1815. 

The war in its results called increased attention to 
some very important questions. There are three 
very difficult and responsible stages in legislation, 
that preceeding, during, and after war, when tlie 
utmost wisdom is needed to guide the Ship of State 
aright. 

Some of the questions which belong to the third 
period may be enumerated. 

1. The establishment of the second National 
Bank grew out of the war, and its necessity seemed 
to be demonstrated by the discordant condition of 
the finances during its continuance, and the felt want 
of a national currency. It is noticeable that this 
measure was now advocated and adopted by the Re- 
publican party and opposed by the Federalists. 
Alexander J. Dallas, Secretary of the Treasury, 
modeled the Bank after the one Hamilton had 
founded, and the scheme received the approbation of 
the President, who at first was opposed to it, and 
was indorsed by Clay, Calhoun and Crawford. 



JAMES MADISON. 81 

2. The natianal debt, increased largely by the 
cost of the war, gave a new turn, in connection with 
American Manufactures and their encouragement, 
to the subject of tariff and protection. Clay, Cal- 
houn and Lowndes, (S. C), favored protection, and 
the measure received the support of the Southern 
States on the ground that it was advantageous to the 
cotton-growing interests; "Webster and most of the 
members from the Eastern States opposed it ; a third 
part, composed mainly of Southern Eepublicans of 
the old school, under the lead of Randolph, de- 
nounced it as a scheme for building up the Eastern 
and Middle States at the expense of the South ; 
whilst a fourth class, the mercantile, stigmatized 
" the system of protection to American manufac- 
turers, as but a mere continuation of that scheme of 
commercial restrictions and governmental interfer- 
ence which had already involved the country in so 
many calamities." 

The new Tariff scheme arranged imported articles 
into three classes : 

1. Those of which a full domestic supply could 
be obtained ; 2, Those of which only a partial sup- 
ply could be secured ; and 3. Those which are made 
at home either to a small extent or not at all. 

3. The subject of internal improvements ap- 
peared in a new light. The poor facilities for trans- 
porting armies and supplies, which the bad roads 
and limited number of canals supplied, clearly de- 
monstrated the need of better accommodations, and 
induced a more liberal policy on that point. The 



82 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS 

Cumberland Eoad, a great national highway from 
Maryland to Ohio, was built at the public expense, 
the appropriations for that purpose up to March 
22d, 1816, amounting to $410,000.00. 

4. The limits and respective provinces of the 
treaty-making and legislative branches of the federal 
government were very ably argued by Congress from 
1815 to 1820. 

5. The doctrine of secession, a new danger to the 
permanence of the federal and the State governments 
by a conflict of interests, was first publicly broached, 
or called into national prominence, by the Hartford 
Convention. Strange enough, the promoters of that 
assembly disclaimed and repudiated any such inten- 
tion, but still the charge was fastened upon them, 
and has continued to adhere. 

6. A moral result of the war, was the great re- 
nown which the United States acquired as a bellig- 
erant on the high seas, and the self-respect which 
conscious strength is apt to produce in a nation that 
can successfully cope with the foremost maritime 
power in the world. 

7. The debt which the war had swelled to more 
than $127,000,000 required prudent management, 
and this it received ; for the public revenues were so 
admirably controlled that the entire debt was paid in 
less than twenty years. 

8. Trade and commerce freed from the shackles 
of war revived and demanded the framing of liberal 
treaties with commercial nations for mutual protec- 
ition and advantage. 



JAMES MADISON. 83 

1815. 

January 27. The President returned to the Sen- 
ate the bill to incorporate the Bank of the United 
States, with his veto. 

March 2. The bill to protect American commerce 
from the depredations of Algerine cruisers was 
passed by the Senate and returned to the House 
without amendment. 

April 6. The American prisoners at Dartmoor in 
Devonshire, England, were fired upon by the guard, 
7 were killed outright, and 60 more or less injured. 
It is but just to say that the act was unauthorized. 

May 19. Commodore Decatur sailed with a fleet 
for the protection of commerce on the Mediterranean. 
On the way he captured an Algerine frigate of 44 
guns, and then proceeded to take the capital of Al- 
giers, but the mere presence of the fleet, sailing 
under the flag that had gained so many brilliant 
victories on the ocean from England in the war of 
1812, inspired terror; and the Dey of Tripoli was 
glad to secure peace at any price. On June 6th, he 
stipulated to pay $6,000,000 for past damages and 
guaranteed freedom for the future. 

1816. 

March 1. The American Navigation Act was 
passed. 

March 14. After a long and spirited debate and 
failures to pass, the bill to incorporate the second 
Bank of the United States for a term of twenty 
years, with a capital of $35,000,000, the United 
States to subscribe for $7,000,000 of the stock and 



84 THE PRRSIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

private persons for the balance, passed the House by 
a vote of 80 to 71. It passed the Senate April 3d, 
by a vote of 22 to 12. The conduct of the war had 
uncovered a difficulty about the currency, loans and 
taxes, which it was confidently believed the Bank 
would remove. No other remedy was thought of at 
this time. The Bank was the sure panacea for all 
the financial ills of the body politic. An independ- 
ent treasury, the substitution of specie payments, or 
a national system of currency, were suggested by the 
financial wisdom of later days. The first bank was 
started with a capital of $10,000,000, was governed 
by twenty directors, and limited in duration to twenty 
years. At this time it was a Federal measure of 
which Hamilton was the founder ; now it was a Re- 
publican scheme receiving the sanction of the Repub- 
lican party. 

October. A treaty was formed with the Indians 
by Gen. Jackson. 

December 11. Indiana, the nineteenth State, was 
admitted. 

1817. 

January 1. The United States Bank began busi- 
ness in Philadelphia with twenty-seven local branches 
in the principal cities of the Union. 

February 12. The result of the electoral votes 
was declared. 

March 3. The President returned with his veto 
the bill entitled '' An act to set apart and pledge cer- 
tain funds for internal improvements." 



JAMES MADISON. 85 

VIII. THE WAR OF 1812. 

1. BATTLES ON LAND. 

1812. 

July 17. Fort Mackinaw, garrisoned by Lieut. 
Hanks with 60 men, was surprised and taken with- 
out resistence by a force of 200 British and 400 In- 
dians. The British officer, Col. Roberts, had received 
notice of war nine days before, and he was kind 
enough to convey the information with the demand 
for the surrender of the Fort. 

August 4. Major Van Home with 200 Ohio vol- 
unteers was defeated at Brownstown, Michigan, by a 
combined band of British and Indians. American 
loss, 17 killed, 8 wounded. 

August 15. At Fort Dearborn, Chicago, there 
was a fight with about 500 Indians. Am. loss, 39 
men, 2 women and 12 children killed; Indians, 15 
killed. Capt. Heald did not surrender the fort. 

August 16. Detroit was surrendered by General 
Wm. Hull with his army of 349 regulars, and 2,000 
militia and volunteers to General Brock in command 
of 13,000 British and allied Indians, without any 
effort at resistance. This event opened Michigan to 
the British. 

September 4, 5. Fort Harrison, Ind,, was held by 
Capt. Zachary Taylor with 15 effective men against 
300 Indians. Am. loss, 2 killed, 2 wounded. 

September 5, 6, 7, 8. Lient. Hamilton repulsed 
from Fort Madison, above St. Louis, a large body of 
Indians with only a loss of one killed and one 
wounded. 



86 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

September 11. Davis Creek; September 21, Ga- 
nanoqui Village. 

October 13. Queenstown Heights. Colonel Van 
Rensselaer crossed Niagara River with 225 men to 
Lewiston for the capture of the British heights. 
Van Rensselaer having been wounded, Capt. Wool 
assumed command, assailed the battery and took 
the heights. General Sir Isaac Brock was killed 
while advancing with reinforcements for its re-cap- 
ture. The Americans also were reinforced, but fresh 
troops from Fort Niagara came to the relief of the 
British and the Americans were compelled to desist. 
Am. loss, 90 killed, 160 wounded, 764, including 
Lieut. Col. Scott, were taken prisoners ; British and 
Indian, the number killed and wounded was still 
greater. The British in this engagement were assisted 
by 500 Indians. 

October 18. Pimartain's Town ; October 23. St. 
Regis. 

November 21. Fort Niagara bombarded by Fort 
George, opposite. American loss, 4 killed and 7 
wounded. 

November 21, 22. Ponce Passu. 

November 28. Black Rock, below Buffalo. British 
boats and batteries destroyed by Americans. 

1813. 

January 18. Frenchtown, on the River Raisin* 
British (100 men) and Indians (400) were attacked, 
defeated and routed by Colonels Allen and Lewis 
with 600 men. American loss, 13 killed and 54 
wounded. British and Indian, 38 killed, 50 wounded. 



JAMES MADISON. 87 

January 22. River Raisin. General Winchester 
encamped with 800 men, was suddenly attacked by 
General Proctor with 1,500 British and Indians, and 
after a severe action was compelled to surrender with 
the promise of protection from the Indians. Proctor 
fearing the approach of General Harrison, then on 
the Lower Sandusky, hurried away and left no guard 
for the Americans. On the following day the Indians 
returned and killed and scalped a large number of 
the troops. American loss, 397 killed, 27 wounded, 
35 officers and 487 men taken prisoners ; British and 
Indian, 24 kiUed, 158 wounded. 

February 7. Elizabethtown. 

February 22. Capture of Ogdensburg by 1,200 
British, defended by Captain Forsyth with 300 men. 
American loss, 3 killed, 7 wounded ; British, 7 killed, 
48 wounded. 

April 27. York, (noAv Toronto), held by General 
Sheaffe, (the force amounting to 750 British and 100 
Indians) was captured by General Pike with a force 
of 1,700 men. The magazine was fired and its ex- 
plosion killed many Americans. Pike was killed. 
American loss, 52 killed, 228 wounded ; British and 
Indian, 110 killed, 300 wounded, and 4 naval, 36 
military officers and 250 men were taken prisoners. 

May 1-5. Fort Meigs (at Maumee Rapids) held 
by Gen. Harrison with 2,000 men. Gen. Proctor 
with 2,800 British and Indians (under Tecumseh) 
was repulsed and driven of by a part of Gen. Clay's 
brigade (800 strong), who in turn were chased by 
the British and Indians. American loss by seige, 81 
killed, 190 w^ounded; in the attack and chase, 80 



88 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

killed and 480 made prisoners. Col, Miller, with 
the 19th Infantry (350 men) charged with bayonets a 
British battery, spiked the guns and returned with 
42 prisoners. British and Indian loss much less. 

May 27. Gen. Dearborn with 4,000 men captured 
Fort George (Canada side of Niagara), which was 
held by a garrison of 3,000 British. American loss, 
33 killed, 8S wounded; British, 108 killed, 163 
wounded, 622 taken prisoners. 

May 29. Defense of Sackett's Harbor (East end 
of Lake Ontario) by Gen. Jacob Brown with 1,000 
men against 750 men landed from a British fleet; 
American loss, 22 killed. 84 wounded; British, much 
greater. 

June 6. Gen. Vincent, with 800 men, led a night 
attack upon 1,300 Americans, under Gen. Chandler, 
encamped at Stony Creek, or Burlington Heights, at 
the west end of Lake Ontario, Upper Canada. Am. 
loss, 17 killed, 38 wounded, 5 officers, including 
Generals Chandler and "Winder, and 93 men taken 
prisoners. 

June 13. Defense of Hampton, near old Point 
Comfort, Va., by 436 Virginia militia under Major 
Crutchfield, who repulsed 2,500 British troops led by 
Sir Sidney Beckwith. American loss, 1 man taken 
prisoner ; British, 200 killed and wounded. 

June 22. Craney Island, near Norfolk, Va., was 
gallantly defended by Col. Beatty, who drove off a 
British force of about 2,300 men without the loss of 
a man. British loss, 200 men. 

June 23. Battle of Beaver Dams, 7 miles west of 
Queenstown, Upper Canada, between 450 Americans 



JAMES MADISON. 69 

led by Lieut. Col. Boerstler, and 800 British and In- 
dians, American loss, 25 killed, 50 wounded, and 
the rest were taken prisoners; British and Indian 
loss, 30 killed, 35 wounded. 

July 8. A foraging party of 39 men, near Fort 
George, were overwhelmed by a superior number of 
British and Indians, and only ten were able to re- 
turn to the Fort. 

July 11. Black Eock defended by General Peter 
B. Porter against 340 British troops under Lieut. 
Col. Bisshopp. American loss, 9 killed ; British, 23. 

July 17. Col. Scott gallantly defended the out- 
works of Fort George against a British and Indian 
force of 200 men. Am. loss, 4 killed, 4 wounded. 

August 2. Fort Stephenson w^as attacked by 
Proctor at the head of 500 regulars and 900 Indians. 
Major George Croghan (only 21 years of age) held 
the post with 160 men and with but one cannon. He 
resisted most nobly, and Proctor was compelled to 
withdraw after having lost over 150 men. American 
loss, 1 killed, 7 wounded. 

August 9, 10, 11. Commodore Hardy bombarded 
Stonington, Ct., two or three days, but was prevented 
from landiug. It was defended by 20 men, who had 
only three cannons. American loss, 6 wounded ; 
British, 21 killed, 59 wounded. 

August 24. Capt. Davenport repulsed a British 
force who made an attack upon the outworks of Fort 
George. 

October 4. A slight skirmish at Chatham. 

October 5. The battle of the Thames, U. C, was 
fought between Gen. Harrison with 2,500 men, and 



90 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

Gen. Proctor with 800 British troops, assisted by Te- 
cumseh with 1,200 Indian allies. The battle was 
determined by the charge of one thousand mounted 
Kentucky riflemen, who rode into the British ranks 
and routed them. Proctor, mounted on a fleet horse, 
fled from the field in dismay. He remembered the 
massacre at Raisin, and felt that these Kentucky 
riflemen would avenge the death of their fathers and 
brothers, if they had the opportunity. Am. loss, 29 
killed and wounded; British and Indian, 57. Te- 
cumseh was killed, (shot, it is claimed by Colonel 
Johnson), 500 were taken prisoners, together with 
5,000 fire-arms and 6 pieces of cannon, among which 
were three captured from the British during the Rev- 
olution and surrendered by Hull at Detroit. 

October 6. Skirmishes near Fort George; Octo- 
ber 26, affair at Chatauqua, and November 1 and 2, 
French Creek. 

November 3. Battle of Tallasehatche, near Coosa 
River, Alabama, between the Creek Indians and 900 
mounted men, led by Gen. Coffee. American loss, 
5 killed, 41 wounded ; Indian, 200 killed, 84 prison- 
ers. 

November 9. Battle at Talladega between 1,000 
Creek Indians and 2,000 Americans led by General 
Jackson. American loss, 15 killed, 8Q wounded; 
Indian, 290 killed and as many more wounded. 

November 11. Desperate fight at Chrysler's Field, 
Canada side of St. Lawrence, below Ogdensburg, 
between Gen. Boyd, with 1,600 Americans, and Col. 
Morrison, with 1,500 British troops. The latter had 
possession of a stone house in the midst of the field, 



JAMES MADISON. 91 

which was used as a citadel American loss, 102 
killed, 236 wounded. 

November 11. Gen. White, with 360 mounted 
Tennessee militia and some friendly Cherokees, at- 
tacked the Creeks at Hillabee Towns, Ala., destroyed 
the place, killed 61 warriors, and captured 256 with- 
out the loss of a single man. 

December 19. Col. Murray, with a loss of 8 men, 
surprised and captured Fort Niagara before daylight. 
American loss, 65 killed, 14 wounded, 344 prisoners. 

December 19, 20. Engagement at Schlosser. 

December 23. Econocahoc. 

December 29. The Creeks were routed at Autos- 
see with a loss of several hundred. American loss, 
65. Two Indian villages in sight of each other were 
burned. 

December 30. Col. Hall, of N. Y., with 1,200 
militia, was attacked at Black Eock by a British and 
Indian force of 1,000 men. American loss, 50 killed, 
52 wounded; British, 25 killed, 50 wounded. 

1814. 

January 22. Gen. Jackson, with 930 Tennessee 
volunteers and 300 Cherokees, defeated a body of 
900 Creeks at Emuckfaw Creek, and again at Eccan- 
achoco Creek, on January 24. American loss, 20 
killed, 75 wounded; Creek, 190 killed. 

January 27. Camp Defiance. 

March 4. Longwoed. 

March 27. End of Creek War by the Battle of 
Horse-Shoe Bend. The Creeks 1,000 strong, having 
entrenched themselves with their women and child- 



92 THE TRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

ren, made a final and desperate struggle for exist- 
ence. Gen. Jackson, with 1,800 Tennessee militia 
and 600 Cherokees, completely destroyed them ; 600 
Creeks "were slain, 2 or 3 were made prisoners with 
about 300 women and children. American loss, 26 
killed, 111 wounded; Cherokee, 20 killed, and 47 
wounded. 

March 30. A division of Gen. "Wilkinson's army 
3,000 strong attacked La CoUe Mills, L. C, fortified 
and garrisoned by 200 British volunteers commanded 
by Major Hancock. American loss, 16 killed, 122 
wounded; British, 10 killed, 46 wounded. 

May 4, 5. Fort Oswego, Lake Ontario. British 
were repulsed in an attempt to take it. 1,750 men 
landed for that purpose, but Lieut. Col. Mitchell held 
it with a small force, losing only 69 men. British 
loss, 235. 

May 30. A British force of 160 landed at Sandy 
Creek, on Lake Ontario, and attacked Maj. Appling 
ill command of 120 riflemen and some Oneida In- 
dians. British loss, 10 killed, 30 wounded, 120 pris- 
oners ; American, 1 rifleman and 1 Indian 

July 3. Generals Scott and Ripley took Fort Erie 
from the British. 

July 5. The Battle of Chippewa. A British 
force of 21,000, led by Gen. Riall, was defeated by 
Gen. Brown's army 1,900 strong. American loss, 68 
killed, 267 wounded and missing. The British 
hastily crossed the Chippewa, tore up the bridge and 
retreated to their encampment. " Charge, charge 
the rascals," was the battle-cry of the young and gal- 



JAMES MADISON. 93 

laut Scott. The sun went down on a glorious Amer- 
ican victory. 

July 16. Point an Play ; July 18, 19, Champlain ; 
July 19, Rock River. 

July 25. Battle of Lundy's Lane. Gen. Brown 
with 3,000 men engaged Gen. Drummond, in com- 
mand of a British and Indian force 5,000 strong. It 
was a hard fought battle. "Charge again, charge 
again, Leavenworth," were the words of Scott, as he 
fell severely wounded. American loss, 175 killed, 
573 wounded; British, 878. ''Not a General on 
either side remained unwounded. A bloodier battle, 
in proportion to the numbers engaged, was never 
fought than this." 

August 3. Schojeoquady Creek. 

August 4. Lieut. Col. Croghan, at the head of 
500 regulars and 400 militia made an unsuccessful 
attempt to recapture Fort Mackinaw. American 
loss, 13 killed, 61 wounded. 

August 13, 15. Fort Erie, held by Gen, Gaines 
with 2,500 troops, was besieged by Gen. Drummond 
with 5,000 men. The British, on the 15th, attempted 
its capture by assault, but failed with a loss of 600 
men. American loss, 62 killed, 86 wounded during 
the siege. 

August 24. The Battle of Bladeusburg, 4 miles 
from Washington, was fought by Gen. Winder and 
Gen. Ross, while the latter was advancing with a 
British force for the capture of AVashington. The 
Americans were routed with a loss of 30 killed, 40 
wounded and 120 taken prisoners. They marched to 
Washington and destroyed a number of public build- 



94 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

ings. The President and Cabinet fled from Wash- 
ington. 

August 30. Moore's Field, Md ; September 1-6, 
White House, Va. 

September 11. A land and naval fight at Platts- 
burg, on Lake Champlain, between Gen. M'Comb 
and Commodore M'Donough, with about 4,500 men, 
and Gen. Prevost and Commodore Downie, with a 
British force 14,000 strong. Naval fight in favor of 
the Americans, whereupon the British land force 
withdrew. American loss, 102 ; British, 1,500; 

September 12. North Point, 14 miles below Bal- 
timore. Here Gen. Ross landed with 8,000 men and 
proceeded to march on Baltimore, but he Avas opposed 
by Gen. Strycker at the head of 3,000 militia and 
volunteer troops. Gen. Ross was killed, and the 
British were forced, after sleeping all night on their 
arms, to return to their ship. American loss, 163 ; 
British, 290. 

September 13. The fleet convoying Gen. Ross' 
army bombarded Fort McHenry. Gen. Armistead 
garrisoned it with about 1,000, and ofiered a m^st 
gallant resistance while subjected to a severe bom- 
bardment of 25 hours duration. Baltimore being 
defended by 10,000 militia, under command of Sen- 
ator Smith, the British retired. 

September 15. Fort Bowyer, near Mobile, Ala., 
was successfully defended by 134 men against the 
combined attack of 730 British and 200 Creek 
troops, with a loss of 9 men. British loss, 162 
killed, 70 wounded. 

September 17. Gen. Brown led a sortie from 



JAMES MADISON, 95 

Fort Erie with 3,000 men and drove a British force 
of 5,000 men toward the field of Chippewa. Amer- 
ican loss, 79 killed, 216 wounded; British, 1,000 
men. 

October 15. Gen. Drummond, with his force, 
was besieged at Chippewa by Gen. Izard with 6,000 
men who had formed a junction with Gen. Brown. 
The Americans, seven days after, retired to Black 
Rock. 

October 19. Lyons Creek.- 

November 7, Gen. Jackson, with 3,000 men, 
took Pensacola from the Spanish. The latter w^ere 
aided by a British fleet. American loss, 11 wounded ; 
Spanish, 4 killed, 6 wounded. 

December 23, 28. Villere's and Chalmette's Plan- 
tation. 

1815. 

January 1 . Sharp skirmish at Rodriguez's Canal, 
New Orleans. 

January 8. The Battle of New Orleans. Gen. 
Jackson had 4,700 men on the east side of the river, 
and 1,000 on the west; Gen. Packenham had 8,400 
British troops. The latter was killed, and his army 
repulsed with deadly loss. American loss, on the 
east side, 7 killed, 6 wounded ; on the west side, 8 
killed and 32 wounded; British, 292 killed, 1,262 
wounded, and 17 officers and 483 men taken prison- 
ers. The last important land battle of the second 
war with England. A grand American victory, and 
favorable omen of future greatness for the young re- 
public. 



96 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

January 9-18. Defense of Fort St. Philip. 

January 13. Point Petre, Georgia. 

February 11. The tidiugs of Peace was brought 
by the British sloop Favorite, sailing under a flag of 
truce and bearing an American and a British mes- 
senger, 

2. NAVAL ENGAGEMENTS. 
1812. 

August 19. The American frigate Constitution 
engaged the British frigate Guerriere and completely 
dismantled her in a spirited action. At night she 
was reported in a sinking condition, and her crew 
was removed to the Constitution. She was then 
set on fire, and one by one the guns went off, firing a 
requiem to the noble wreck. Presently the flames 
reached the magazine, when a terrific explosion and 
a cloud of smoke told that the proud ship had for- 
ever disappeared. "The first English ship that ever 
struck its flag to an American ship of war, had gone 
down to the bottom of the oceau, a gloomy omen of 
England's future. The sea never rolled over a vessel 
whose fate so startled the world." American loss, 7 
killed, 7 wounded ; British, 15 killed, 64 wounded. 

October 8. Captain Elliott captured the Detroit 
and Caledonian on Lake Champlain, 

October 18. Captain Jones, with the sloop Wasp, 
disabled and captured the Frolic. But in the after- 
noon of the same day, both were taken by the Poic- 
tiers, a British 74. American loss, 5 killed and 5 
wounded ; British, 100 men killed and wounded. 



JAMES MADISON. 97 

October 25. Commodore Decatur, mtli the frigate 
United States, captured the Macedonian and took 
her as a prize to New London. American loss, 5 
killed, 7 wounded ; British, 104 killed and wounded, 
out of a force numbering 300 men. This action, as 
in the case of the Constitution and Guerriere, clearly- 
proved the superiority of American gunnery. 

December 29. Commodore Bainbridge, with the 
Constitution of 54 guns, completely dismantled the 
British frigate Java of 49 guns. The Java was 
blown up three days after the engagement, it being im- 
possible to save her as a prize, after the crew had all 
been rescued. Among the prisoners taken was Lieut. 
Gen, Hislop, with his staff, on his way to Bombay as 
Governor. He was treated courteously, and was 
afterwards released. The action lasted over 2 hours. 
American loss, 9 killed, 25 wounded; British, 161 
killed and wounded. Captain Lambert, of the Java, 
was mortally wounded, and died two days after 
reaching the shore. 

1813. 

February 10. The British brig Kesolute was cap- 
tured by the Hornet. 

February 24. Captain Lawrence, with the sloop 
Hornet, ten guns and 135 men, took in a short ac- 
tion the Peacock, nine guns and 130 men. The 
Peacock was so shattered that she sunk in a few 
minutes, carrying nine of her own crew and three of 
the Hornet down with her. American loss, 1 killed, 
2 wounded ; British, 38 killed and wounded. 

June 1. Captmn Broke, of the English frigate 
7 • 



98 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

Shannon, sent a challenge to Captain Lawrence, in 
command of the Chesapeake, to meet him in any 
latitude or longitude. It was accepted, and in a hot 
contest of 12 minutes duration the Chesapeake was 
taken. The action took place within sight of Bos- 
ton harbor, and was witnessed by hundreds of spec- 
tators. American loss 146 killed and wounded; 
British, 23 killed, 56 wounded. As LawTence, mor- 
tally wounded, was being carried below, he uttered 
his last command, "Don't give up the ship." This 
victory produced intense excitement and rejoicing in 
England. Perry afterwards fully honored this motto 
on Lake Erie. 

August 14. The British Pelican of 485 tons cap- 
tured the sloop Argus of 298 tons, commanded by 
Allen, while cruising in the Irish Channel. 

September 5. Lieut. Burrows, with the United 
States brig Enterprise, took the English brig Boxer 
in an action of 40 minutes. Burrows was killed. 
American loss, 1 killed, 13 wounded ; British, 14 
wounded, (the number killed has not been ascer- 
tained, because the dead were thrown overboard as 
fast as they fell.) 

September 10. Perry's victory on Lake Erie. A 
most deadly action, the loss of each side being 135 
killed and wounded, and a glorious triumph for the 
Americans. After the engagement, ''the ships strip- 
ped of their spars and canvass looked as if they had 
been swept by a hurricane, while desolation covered 
the decks." 

October 5. Commodore Chauncy, with an Amer- 



JAMES MADISON. 99 

can flotilla, captured the British flotilla on Lake 
Ontario. 

1814. 

March 28. Capt. Porter, with the Essex, sailed 
for the Pacific Ocean, to cruise among the British 
fishermen. He captured 9 or 12 ships, among them an 
English government packet with $55,000 in specie, 
which he sent home as prizes. He was himself cap- 
tured by Capt. Hillyar, of the British frigate Phoebe, 
in an action which lasted from two to three hours. 

April 20. Capt. Bainbridge, with the sloop Frolic, 
surrendered to the frigate Orpheus. 

April 29. Captain Warrington, with the sloop 
Peacock, captured the British brig Epervier. In 42 
minutes the latter was so riddled that she had 5 feet 
of water in the hold. American loss, 2 wounded ; 
British, 22 killed and wounded. $118,000 in specie 
was found on board. 

June 28. Capt. Blakely, with the Wasp, took, 
after a spirited and hot action, the Beindeer, com- 
manded by Capt. Manners. She was then taken to 
L'Orient and burned to prevent recapture. Amer- 
ican loss, 5 killed, 22 wounded ; British, 67 (out of 
115) killed and wounded. The Wasp, on Septem- 
ber 1, engaged and sank the Avon of 18 guns. 
Continuing the cruise, Blakely took and sent home 
three more prizes, among them the Atlanta of 8 
guns. This was the last tidings ever received from 
the Wasp. It is supposed that she went down in a 
storm a month later, with all on board. " The sea 
never rolled over a more gallant commander and 



100 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

August 9-12. Attack on Stonington by British 
fleet under Commodore Hardy. 

September 11. The British fleet off Plattsburg 
on Lake Champlain, was captured by Commodore 
McDonough. 

1815. 

January 15. The President, commanded by De- 
catur, falling in with a British squadron, surrendered 
to the Endymion. 

February 20. Capt. Stewart, with the Constitu- 
tion, captured the British ships of war, the Cyane of 
34 guns, and the Levant of 21. 

March 23. Commodore Biddle, with the sloop 
Hornet, captured the British brig Penguin. The 
latter became unmanageable and soon sank. Am. 
loss, 1 killed, 10 wounded; British, 42 killed and 
wounded. This was the last regular action of the 
war. 

June 30. The Peacock encountered the Nautilus, 
and took her after a single broadside. Capt. War- 
rington having learned that peace had been declared, 
immediately restored the vessel. This was the last 
ship captured during the war. The Nile and Tra- 
falgar were dimmed in lustre by the grand achieve- 
ments of the little American navy in the second war 
with England. 



IX. POLITICAL PARTIES. 

The contests for the Presidency were shaped to a 
great extent by the condition of affairs with England. 

1. The Kepublican party was in favor of war. 
As Madison's first term was drawing to a close, the 



JAMES MADISON. 101 

feeling for war in the party became so strong that 
Madison, in order to secure a renomination, was 
obliged to give it his reluctant consent. The Con- 
gressional caucus which was held in Washington in 
May, 1812, put John Langdon for Vice President, 
but the latter, on account of age and its infirm- 
ities, declined the candidature, and the nomination 
was subsequently tendered to Elbridge Gerry as a 
balm to his late defeat in Massachusetts. It was de- 
clared by the members that these nominations were 
made on their own individual responsibility, but they 
took care to see that they were enforced, by appoint- 
ing a committee, one from each State, to correspond 
and secure conformity. 

At the Congressional caucus which was held in 
IMarch, 1816, Clay's motion that caucus nominations 
were inexpedient having failed to pass, it was decided 
by a vote of 65 for Monroe against 54 for Crawford, 
that the "Virginia Dynasty" should be continued, 
Thompkins received 85 votes for the Vice Presidency 
to 30 cast for Gov. Snyder. 

2. The Federal party was strong only in opposi- 
tion to the anticipated w^ar. De Witt Clinton, al- 
though promised the next Kepublican nomination in 
1816, would not wait, and his aspirations were en- 
couraged by supporters in the New York Legislature. 
The Tammany party, however, was opposed to him. 
In September, Federal delegates from eleven States 
met in New York, and after three days of secret 
and exciting debate, ratified the nomination of 
Clinton, which had already been made by the Repub- 
lican Legislature of New York. Jared Ingersoll re- 



102 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

ceived the second position on the Presidential slate. 

The canvass of 1816 was entered with the nomi- 
nation of Kufus King for the Presidency, but the 
successful and proud termination of the war with 
England left the Federal party without popular 
support. There is nothing that takes better with the 
masses than success, and what hope could there be 
for a party that had hampered the Administration 
and hindered the prosecution of the war ? 

The Federal party regarded England in her strug- 
gle with Napoleon as the "world's last hope." Josiah 
Quincy denounced the war in most scathing terms. 
Webster was too wise to oppose the war in general, 
but in order to satisfy a highly incensed constituncy, 
he divided his opinion and favored war on the seas, 
but deprecated the invasion of Canada. Clay, Cal- 
houn, Lowndes, Cheves and others in the Republican 
party, advocated war and were determined to bring 
it to a victorious result. 



X. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. 
During the years 1813-14 it will be noticed the 
duties on exports and imports very nearly ceased, 
while the expenditure and public debt more than 
proportionately increased, and of course this was en- 
tirely due to the war. In his message to Congress, 
December 5, 1815, the President declared that ''the 
amount of the funded debt contracted in consequence 
of the war, was $64,000,000 ; " and in his final mes- 
sage, December 3, 1816, he said, " The aggregate of 
the funded debt, composed of debts incurred during 



JAMES MADISON. 



103 



the wars of 1776 and 1812, has been estimated with 
reference to January next at a sum not exceeding 
$110,000,000." 



Year. 


Public Debt. 


Expenditurep. 


Exports. 


Imports. 


1809 


$57,023,192 


$13,867,226 


$52,203,333 


$59,400,000 


1810 


53,178,217 


13,319,986 


66,657,970 


85,406,000 


1811 


48,005,587 


13,601,808 


61,316,883 


53,400,000 


1812 


45,209,737 


22,279,121 


38,527,236 


77,030,000 


1813 


55,962,827 


39,190,520 


27,855,927 


22,005,000 


1814 


81,487,846 


38,028,230 


6,927,441 


12,965,007 


t815 


99,833,660 


39,582,493 


52,557,753 


113,041,200 


1810 


127,334,933 


48,244,495 


81,920,452 


147,103,040 



XI. OUTLINE OF CONCURRENT EVENTS. 

England: George IV. Regent, 1811; war with 
France, with America. 

France : Fifth coalition against, by England and 
Austria 1809 ; Victory of Wagram 1809 ; divorce of 
Josephine 1809, and marriage of Maria Louisa 1810 ; 
Napoleon in Russia 1812, with 500,000 men, only 
40,000 returned; Sixth coalition by Russia and 
Prussia 1813, all Europe against Napoleon, 800,000 
against 400,000; Allies in Paris March 31, 1814; 
Napoleon sent to Elba 1814, returned for 100 days 
1815, was defeated at Waterloo June 18, 1815, and 
was banished to St. Helena July 15, 1815. Wel- 
lington recived a vote of thanks and $1,000,000 a 
a memorial of his great victory. 

Union of Sweden and Norway, 1814 

Germany : War of German Independence 1813, 
1814. 

The Holy Alliance formed September 26, 1815. 



CHAPTER V. 

THE ADMIISISTRATION OF JAMES MONROE. 

Republican. Two Terms, 1817 fo 1825. 



I. CABINET. 

PRESIDENT. 

1817. James Monroe, Virginia. 

VICE PEESIDENT. 

1817. Daniel D. Tompkins, New York. 

SECRETARY OF STATE. 

1817. John Quincy Adams, Massachusetts. 

SECEETAEY OF THE TREASURY. 

1817. William H. Crawford, Georgia. 

SECRETARIES OF WAR. 

1817. Isaac Shelby, Kentucky, (declined.) 

1817. George Graham, Virginia. 

1817. John C. Calhoun, South Carolina. 

SECRETARIES OF THE NAVY. 

1817. Benjamin W. Crowninshield, Massachusetts. 

1818. Smith Thompson, New York. 
1823. John Eogers, Massachusetts. 
1823. Samuel L. Southard, New Jersey. 

POSTMASTERS GENERAL. 

1817. Keturn J. Meigs, Ohio. 
1823. John McLean, Ohio. 

ATTORNEYS GENERAL. 

1817. Eichard Kush, Pennsylvania. 
1817. William Wirt, Virginia. 



JAMES MONROE. 105 

II. SENATORS ELECTED PRESIDENTS PRO 
TEMPORE OP THE SENATE. 

1819. James Barbour, Virginia* 

1820. John Gaillarcl, South Carolina. 



III. SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- 
TATIVES. 

XV. Congress, Henry Clay, Kentucky. 

XVI. '' Henry Clay, Kentucky. 

John W. Taylor, New York. 

XVII. " Philip P. Barbour, Virgmia. 
XVin. '' Henry Cky, Kentucky. 



lY. THE EIGHTH ELECTION. 

Electoral vote: For President, James Monroe, 183 ; 
Kufus King, N. Y., 34. For Vice President : Daniel 
D. Tompkins 183; John Eager Howard, Md., 22; 
James Boss, Pa., 5; John Marshall, Va., 4, and 
Eobert Goodloe Harper, Md., 3. Total, 217. Nine- 
teen States voted. 



V. THE NINTH ELECTION. 
Electoral vote: For President, James Monroe, 231 ; 
John Quincy Adams, 1. For Vice President : Daniel 
D. Tompkins, 218 ; Bichard Stockton, N. J., 8; Bob- 
ert G. Harper, Md., 1; Bichard Bush, Pa., 1, and 
Daniel Bodney, Del., 4, Total, 232. Twenty-four 
States voted* 



106 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

VI. POPULATION AND REPRESENTATION. 

1820. Whites, 7,861,937 ; Free colored, 238,156 ; 
Slaves, 1,538,038 ; Total, 9,638,131. 

The Katio of Representation was determined at 
40,000, producing a membership of 213. 



VII. HISTORICAL RECORD. 
1817. 

March 4. James Monroe took the oath of office 
and became the fifth President of the United States. 
In his inaugural address, *'he repudiated by impli- 
cation, if not directly, every principle of that old 
Republican party of which he had once been so 
ardent a supporter, adopting to their fullest extent, 
all the ultra-Federal doctrines of the new school, of 
which Clay and Calhoun were the leaders." — Hil- 
dreth. He favored a navy sufficiently strong to 
maintain the neutrality of the United States; he 
advocated a fostering care by the general govern- 
ment for the encouragement of manufactures; and 
he was not averse to the improvement of our country 
by roads and canals, "proceeding always with a con- 
stitutional sanction." He congratulated the country 
on the decline of party spirit, and expressed the de- 
sire to promote union and harmony between all inter- 
ests and all parties. 

December 10. Mississippi, the twentieth State, 
admitted. 

1818. 

March 16. The citizens of the territory of Mis- 



JAMES MONROE. 107 

souri petitioned Congress for permission to frame a 
constitution previous to admission. 

April 1. The Seminole war was terminated by 
Gen. Jackson, who destroyed some of their villages. 

April 7. Jackson took, without bloodshed, the 
Spanish fort at St. Marks, Florida, on the pretext 
that aid and comfort had been given to the Seminoles. 

April 29. Arbuthnot and Armbrister were ar- 
rested by Jackson on the charge of inciting Indian 
hostilities, and having been found guilty by a court- 
martial, they were promptly executed. 

May 24. Pensacola, then a Spanish town, was 
occupied by Jackson on account of alleged Indian 
complications. The Spanish Governor fled to the 
Fort at Barrancas, but capitulated to Jackson on the 
27th, having found himself unable to hold it. 

June 17. Jackson's course was denounced by the 
Spanish Minister at Washington, as being a viola- 
tion of Spanish territory during a time of peace, and 
in a Cabinet meeting Calhoun proposed to put 
Jackson on trial for this misdemeanor, but the sug- 
gestion did not prevail. Secretary Adams informed 
the Minister that Jackson had acted in self-defense, 
the Indians having been aided by the Spaniards ; but 
that now the Seminole war having been ended, Pen- 
sacola and St. Mark's should both be restored as soon 
as they could be occupied by Spanish forces suffi- 
ciently strong to protect the whites and keep the 
Indians in subjection. 

December 3. Illinois, the twenty-first State, ad- 
mitted. 



103 THE TRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATiaN'S. 

1819. 

February 13. The first Missouri Struggle. Gen. 
James Tallmadge, of New York, the bill to authorize 
the people of the Territory of Missouri to form a 
Constitution and State government, and for the ad- 
mission of the same into the Union, having been 
passed to its second reading, or legislative stage, 
moved the following proviso : 

" And provided, that the further introduction of slavery 
or involuntary servitude, be prohibited, except for the pun- 
ishment of crimes, whereof the party shall have been fully 
convicted ; and that all children born within the said State, 
after the admission thereof into the Union, shall be free at 
the age of twenty-five years." 

This was the beginning of the famous struggle be- 
tween the slave and free States, which was tempora- 
rily settled by the compromise of 1820. It "was 
attempted by this restriction to prevent Mssouri, 
when it should become a State, from permitting 
slavery within its borders. The Compromise act 
should be carefully distinguished from the restrictive 
measure. " The restriction was to operate on a State, 
the compromise on territory. The restriction raised 
the storm, the compromise allayed it." This led to a 
lengthy, most profound and exciting discussion about 
the implied and granted powers of Congress with 
reference to slavery, that ever came up in Congress. 

February 17. IMr. Taylor, of New York, moved 
to amend the bill for organizing the Arkansas Terri- 
tory, by inserting a clause similar to the Missouri re- 
striction, except it w^as now to be applied as a con- 
dition on a territorial goverment instead of being, as 



JAMES MONROE. 109 

in the former case, imposed on the adoption of a 
state Constitution and government. This faiUng to 
pass, Taylor, on the 18th, proposed to add a proviso 
to the bill, that slavery should not hereafter be intro- 
duced into any territory of the United States north 
of 36° 30'. The rule hitherto appears to have been 
the alternate admission of free and slave States, so 
as to keep an exact political equipoise between the 
Korth and the South, in the following order : Ver- 
mont and Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio, Louisiana 
and Indiana, Mississippi and Illinois. 

This debate seemed to endanger the stability of 
the Union. Cobb, of Georgia, declaimed, as he 
fixed his eye on Tallmadge, the original mover of 
the restrictive clause, that a fire had been kindled 
which all .he waters of the ocean could not put out, 
and which only seas of blood could extinguish ! If 
Northern members persisted in their mad designs, 
the Union would be dissolved. 

Tallmadge replied that language of this sort did 
not frighten him. 

"My purpose is fixed. It is interwoven with my exist- 
ence. Its durability is limited -with my lifo. It is a great 
and glorious cause — setting bounds to slavery the most cruel 
and debasing the world has ever witnessed. It is the cause 
of man. If a dissolution of the Union mutt take place, let 
it be so! If civil war, which gentlemen so much threaten, 
must come, I can only say, let it come ! My hold on life is 
probably as frail as that of any man who now hears me ; 
but, while that hold lasts, it shall be devoted to the freedom 
of man. If blood is necessary to extinguish any fire which 
I have assisted to kindle, while I regret the necessity, I shall 
not hesitate to contribute my own." 



110 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

These extracts will convey an idea of the warmth 
and earnestness which even at this early stage the 
content assumed. 

February 22. A treaty for the cession of the 
Floridas— East and West — was signed at Washington 
by the Spanish Minister, with the approbation of our 
government, and then sent to Spain for similar ratifi- 
cation. It included : 

1. The extinction of our claims to Texas. Our 
title to that extensive territory rested on the French 
purchase of Louisiana, Texas belonged to France 
by priority of discovery. La Salle, acting for his 
monarch, had made, in 1685, a settlement on the 
Bay of St. Bernard, and west of the Colorado trib- 
utary to the Bay. The nearest Spanish settlement 
was at Panuco, and by the rule observed among 
European nations for dividing unoccupied territory 
between contiguous settlements, the Rio del Norte, 
near the midway line, became the boundary of the 
Spanish and French possessions. The title therefore 
to Texas was just as good as our title to the territory 
of Louisiana, both having been acquired by the same 
purchase. * 

2. The payment of $5,000,000 for the discharge 
of claims of our citizens against Spain, and the aban- 
donment of claims to the amount of $15,000,000. 

3. The freedom of the ports to be acquired to 
Spanish trade and commerce for twelve years after 
the exchange of ratification. 

June 19. This month witnessed the sailing of the 
first steam-ship for Europe. Philosophers had clearly 
demonstrated the utter impossibility of steam navi- 



JAMES MONROE. Ill 

gation. The "Savannah" crossed from New York 
to Liverpool in 26 days. 

December. 14. Alabama, the twenty-second State, 
admitted. 

During this year the United States Bank passed 
through a crisis, and a loss of three millions pre- 
vented any dividends on the stock for two years 
thereafter. The bank however was saved, and specie 
payments continued to be made in the principal 
commercial cities. Many of the country banks suc- 
cumbed to the pressure of hard times and suspended 
specie payment. The following year was also one of 
financial gloom and depression. 

1820. 

January 3. The Second Missouri Struggle. 
When the admission of Maine was considered by the 
Senate, it was attempted to attach as a "rider" the 
Missouri Bill without restrictions. The bills were 
united by a vote of 23 to 21. Mr. Thomas, of Ills., 
then proposed, as a new amendment, the inhibition 
of slavery from the rest of the Louisiana accession 
north of 36° 30' — a principle which formed the basis 
of the Missouri Compromise as subsequently adopted. 
But the House refused to concur in the amendment, 
and the Senate would not recede from it. At 
this juncture, a joint committee for conference was 
appointed. AVhile negotiations were pending, the 
House passed a bill to admit Missouri without 
slavery, and in this form, on the succeeding day, it 
was sent to the Senate. Here the prohibitory clause 
was stricken out,. and the Thomas compromise in- 



112 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

serted, and as thus amended it was remanded to the 
House. At this point, the joint committee reported 
and suggested, 1. That the Senate should recede 
from its amendment to unite the Maine and Missouri 
bills ; 2. That the House should recede from its at- 
tempt to exclude slavery ; and 3. That slavery should 
be prohibited from all territory north of 36° 30'. 

This was accepted as a solution of the difficult 
problem. The measure passed both Houses just 
before the adjournment of Congress, and has since 
become famous as the so-called Missouri Comj)romise. 
John Randolph, however, was indignant, stigma- 
tizing it as a ''dirty bargain," and the northern mem- 
bers who abetted it as " dough faces." 

From this point a new departure in American pol- 
itics took place. "At the Ithureal touch of the 
Missouri discussion, the slave interest, hitherto hardly 
recognized as a distinct element in the American so- 
cial system, had started up portentous and dilated — 
disavowing the very fundamental principles of mod- 
ern democracy, and again, as in the Federal Con- 
vention, threatening the dissolution of the Union, 
unless allowed to dictate its own terms." — Hildreth. 

April 4. Mr. Trimble, of Kentucky, in discuss- 
ing the Spanish treaty and in opposition to the need- 
less gift of Texas, predicted the war with Mexico, 
when he said, "AVe have fought one war for inde- 
pendence ; another for ' free trade and sailors' rights ; ' 
and another must be fought for barriers and bounda- 
ries, if you ratify this treaty." 

March 27. The President communicated to Con- 
gress the fact that England, Russia and France had 



JAMES MONROE. 113 

interj^osed to prevent a rupture with Spain, because 
the latter had failed to ratify the treaty for the ces- 
sion of Florida. He recommended forbearance, it 
appearing likely that Spain would soon act in the 
matter. 

October 20. Spain delayed to ratify the Florida 
treaty. At this time it was announced, that the 
terms of cession had been accepted. It fixed the 
Eastern boundary of Mexico at the river Sabine, 
and thus transferred Texas to the Spanish rule. 

1821. 

February 14. The Electoral votes were counted. 

February 23. The President announced the ex- 
change of ratification concerning the Spanish cession 
of Florida. 

March 2. The Third Missouri Struggle. It was 
decided by a joint resolution in Congress, Missouri 
having presented a State Constitution, to admit her, 
as soon as certain fundamental changes should be 
made in that instrument, so as to guarantee to the 
citizens of every State the same rights in Missouri 
that they enjoyed at home. This radical correction 
was called out by the clause in her Constitution which 
excluded ''free negroes and mulattoes from coming 
to and settling in this State, under any pretext what- 
ever." "When this change should have been made by 
her Legislature, the President was authorized, in 
case such notice was received on or before the first 
Monday of November next, to declare the admission 
of Missouri as consummated. The object of this 
8 



114 THE TRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

course was to prevent the question from again coming 
up in Congress, and endangering the stability of the 
Union* 

March 3, A bill passed both houses to enable the 
President to take possession of Florida, and for its 
temporary government. Jackson was appointed the 
first Governor. 

March 5. (The 4th being Sunday.) Monroe and 
Tompkins inaugurated the second time. 

June 26. The Legislature of Missouri enacted the 
fundamental condition of admission and notified the 
President. 

August 10. The President by his proclamation 
declared the admission of Missouri as a State to the 
Union to be complete, and thus ended a contest of 
two years and a half. Henry Clay on account of 
his untiring exertions in behalf of Union and concil- 
liation gained for himself the title of the Great Pa- 
cificator. 

1822. 

March 19. The United States acknowledged the 
independence of the South American governments 
which had revolted from Spain. 

The Indian Factory system was abolished. 

It w^as attempted this year to make a Slave State 
out of Illinois by a proposed amendment to the Con- 
stitution, but after fifteen months of agitation under 
the lead of Governor Cole, it was voted down by a 
majority of 2,000. 

1823. 
-J-anuary 8. The President sent to the Senate the 



JAMES MONROE. 115 

award of the Emperor Alexander with reference to 
the true meaning of the first article of the treaty of 
Ghent. He decided that the United States were en- 
titled to restitution for the deportation of slaves 
during the war of 1812. A number of other vexing 
questions were mitigated by this award, such as the 
boundaries of the Northeast and Northwest, Oregon, 
Canadian difficulties, and the liberation of slaves 
carried by mutiny or stress of weather to English 
ports. Each party had agreed to consider the de- 
cision as final and conclusive. 

December 2. The celebrated "Monroe doctrine," 
at the suggestion, it is believed, of John Q. Adams, 
was announced in the message to Congress in these 
words : 

"The citizens of the United States cherish sentiments 
the most friendly in favor of the liberty a'nd happiness of 
their fellow-men on the other side of the Atlantic. In 
wars of the European powers in matters relating to them- 
selves we have never taken any part, nor does it comport 
with our policy to do so. It is only when our rights are 
invaded, or seriously menaced, that we resent injuries, or 
make preparation for our defense. With the movements of 
this hemisphere we are, of necessity, more intimately con- 
nected, and by causes which must be obvious to all enlight- 
ened and impartial observers. The political system of the 
allied powers is essentially different in this respect from that 
of America. This difference proceeds from that which exists 
in their respective governments ; and to the defense of our 
own, which has been achieved by the loss of so much blood 
and treasure, and matured by tbe wisdom of our most en- 
lightened citizens, and under which we have enjoyed unex- 
ampled felicity, this whole nation is devoted. We owe it, 
therefore, to candor, and to the amicable relations existing 



116 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

between the United States and those powers, to declare 
that we should consider any attempt on their part to 
extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as 
dangerous to our peace and safety. With the existing colo- 
nies, or dependencies of any European power, wo have not 
interfered; but with the governments which have declared 
their independence we have, on great consideration and on 
just principles, acknowledged, we could not view any inter- 
position for the purpose of oppressing them, or controlling 
in any other manner their destiny by any European power, 
in any other light than as the manifestation of an un- 
friendly disposition towards the United States." 

This was an explicit statement of the doctrine, 
"America for Americans," and was meant to be an 
exemplification of the policy of Washington — "No 
entangling alliances." It was called out by the Holy 
Alliance, which designed, among other objects, to 
extend a fostering care to the young American re- 
publics of Spanish origin. The United States being 
joined in this protest by England, the project of the 
Allies was abandoned. 

1824. 

March- April. The revision of the Tarifi; increas- 
ing the duties was carried through a long debate, and 
passed the House by a vote of 107 to 102 on the 
16th of April. Clay advocated a Protective Tariff 
for the encouragement of trade and commerce, and 
the turning of a lager proportion of our national 
resources towards domestic manufactures. Webster 
was opposed to this plan and advocated free trade. 
For if protection is all, "suppose all nations to act 
upon it : they would be prosperous, then, according 



JAMES MONROE. 117 

to the argument, precisely in the proportion in which 
they abolished intercourse -with one another," The 
vote for the measure now stood, 95 grain growing 
districts against 57 planting ; the former favored it, 
beause they believed it would benefit agriculture, 
and the latter because they thought it injurious. It 
is worthy of notice that the Southern States which 
had formerly voted for a protective tariff, now voted 
against it. 

April 19. The ''A. B." plot was published in a 
Washington paper implying ofiicial misconduct in 
the Treasury department with reference to the West- 
ern banks. Its object was to destroy the chances of 
Crawford, who was a presidential candidate. The 
charges were investigated and found to be groundless. 

August 13. La Fayette visited America, and was 
everywhere received with the utmost cordiality. Not 
only the arches, but every heart said '* Welcome La 
Fayette." He spent a year in visiting the States, 
and then returned to Europe in the ship Brandy- 
wine, w^hich had been especially assigned for this 
purpose. This frigate had been named to honor the 
battle in which he had first unsheathed his sworvl for 
liberty. Congress voted an appropriation of $200,- 
000 and a township of land. Pie replied that this 
immense and unexpected gift " called for the warmest 
acknowledgments of an old American soldier and 
adopted son of the United States — two titles dearer 
to his heart than all the treasures of the world." 
Surely republics are not always ungrateful. 

December. Four different plans for the election 
of President and Vice President were introduced re- 



118 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS, 

spectively as amendments to the Constitution by Sen« 
ators Benton, Dickerson, Hayne and Van Buren. 

October 4. Mexico established a republican gov- 
ernraent on the plan of the United States. 



VIII. POLITICAL PARTIES. 

During the "Era of good feeling," the old party 
lines were almost entirely obliterated. The British 
faction, and the French party had gone out together. 
The old landmarks had been uprooted by the meas- 
ures preceding and following the war of 1812, and 
the old Republican, or States Kights, party was left 
in undisturbed and scarcely opposed possession of the 
general conduct of government. It appears that in 
1820 there was no organized opposition to the re- 
nomination of Monroe, and his election wanted but 
one electoral vote of being unanimous. The atten- 
tion of the country was directed more particularly to 
the development of our great national resources. 
We may, thus, enumerate as the second division of 
political history, the period of twenty years from 
Jefferson to the first term of Monroe's administration. 
The "era of good feeling" dates more destinctively 
from the second election of Monroe, in 1820. 

The presidential contest in 1824 became personal 
rather than political. Crawford, Adams and Cal- 
houn, at that time members of the Cabinet, Clay, 
Speaker of the House, and Gen. Jackson, all mem- 
bers of the same party, were chief contestants for 
nomination. These had all previously been in Presi- 



JAMES MONROE. 119 

dential caucuses, but, at this time, all but Crawford 
were opposed to a caucus selection of candidates, 
and for this reason. It was understood that a plu- 
rality of those who would attend the caucus were in 
favor of Crawford, and, therefore, if the four other 
candidates submitted to this mode, their chances 
were already decided in advance. On this account 
there was but one caucus held, and Crawford was 
selected without opposition. The remaining candi- 
dates were put in nomination by legislative and other 
political machinery. This famous "scrub race" for 
the presidency resulted in the defeat of all the can- 
didates, as far as popular and electoral votes were 
concerned, and completely overthrew "King Caucus." 
This mode of designating candidates had fallen into 
great odium; and Rufus King, in commenting on 
the proposed amendments to the Constitution, gave 
a scathing review of the caucus system. He de- 
nounced it as *'a new, extraordinary, self-created, 
central power, stronger than the power of the Consti- 
tution, which has risen up at the seat of govern- 
ment." Conventions of delegates fresh from the 
the people, being a part of the people, knowing the 
popular heart, and respecting the popular will in 
designating candidates, were substituted, and, as long 
as they were true to tlie people, gave great satisfaction. 
The v/ords of Jefferson in a letter to Johu Adams 
stating the leading characteristics of the two parties 
are worthy of preservation. At the origin of the 
government *'we broke into two parties, each wish- 
ing to give the government a different direction ; the 
one — the republican — to stengthen the most popular 



120 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

branch, the other — the federal— the more i^ermanent 
branches and to extend their permanence.'^ 



IX. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. 
Senator Benton in 1822 remarked about the finan- 
cial management, "That at this time, the word 
'economy' had an existence in fact as well as in 
name. It was my first year in Congress ; and while 
'economy' was claimed as a distinctive republican 
virtue, (for the name of democrat had not been 
taken), I owe it to candor, and to justice, to say that 
I saw the same regard for economy in the federal 
members, (for neither had they at that time changed 
their name), that I did in the republican. Less than 
nine millions a year for working the government at 
that time." 



Year. 


Public Debt. 


Expenditures. 


Exports. 


Imports. 


181V 


$123,491,965 


$40,877,646 


$87,671,560 


$ 99,250,000 


1818 


103,406,633 


35,164,875 


93,281,133 


121,750,000 


1819 


95,529,648 


24,004,199 


70,141,501 


87,125,000 


1820 


91,015,566 


21,763,024 


69,661,669 


74,450,000 


1821 


89,987,427 


19,090,572 


64,974,382 


62,585,724 


1822 


93,546,676 


17,676,592 


72,160,281 


83,241,541 


1823 


90,875,877 


15,314,171 


74,699,030 


77,579,267 


1824 


90,267,777 


31,898,538 


75,986,657 


89,549,007 



OUTLINE OF CONCURRENT EVENTS 

England : George IV. Regent ; Death of George 
III., January 19, 1820, and accession of George IV., 
coronation July 19, 1821. 

Napoleon died May 5, 1821. 



CHAPTER VI. 

THE ADMINISTRATION OF JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 

Republican. One Term, 1825 to 1829. 



I. CABINET. 

PRESIDENT. 

1825. John Quincy Adams, Massachusetts. 

VICE PRESIDENT. 

1825. John C. Calhoun, South Carolina. 

SECRETARY OF STATE. 

1825. Henry Clay, Kentucky, 

SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY. 

1825. Eichard Rush, Pennsylvania. 

SECRETARIES OF WAR. 

1825. James Barbour, Virginia. 

1827. Peter B. Porter, New York. 

SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

1825. Samuel L. Southard, New Jersey. 

POSTMASTER GENERAL. 

1825. John McLean, Ohio. 

ATTORNEY GENERAL. 

1825. William Wirt, Virginia. 

II. SENATORS ELECTED PRESIDENTS PRO 
TEMPORE OP THE SENATE. 

1826. May, Nathaniel Macon, North Carolina. 

1828, May, Samuel Smith, Maryland. 



122 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

III. SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- 
TATIVES. 

XIX. Congress, Jolin ^Y. Taylor, New York. 

XX. " Andrew Stevenson, Virginia. 



IV. THE TENTH ELECTION. 

Popular Vote : For President, John Quincj Ad- 
ams, 105,321 ; Andrew Jackson, Tennessee, 152,899; 
William H. Crawford, Georgia, 47,275 ; Henry Clay, 
48,087. 

Electoral Vote : For President, Jackson, 99 ; Ad- 
ams, 84; Crawford, 41; Clay, 37. 

For Vice President : John C. Calhoun, South Car- 
olina, 182 ; K"than Sanford, New York, 30 ; Nathan- 
iel Macon, 24; Andrew Jackson, 13; Martin Van 
Buren, 9 ; Henry Clay, 2. Total, 261. Twenty- 
four States voted. 

The only officer elected by the electoral vote was 
Calhoun as Vice President, and the selection of Pres- 
ident from the three candidates having the greatest 
number of votes devolved upon the House of Repre- 
sentatives. Webster, one of the tellers, announced 
the result to be, 13 States for Adams, 7 for Jackson, 
and 4 for Crawford. 

This result was secured by the friends of Clay. 
The latter being excluded from the vote, determined 
to give his influence for the election of Adams. This 
gave rise to the charge of corrupt bargain between 
Adams and himself, which his subsequent appoint- 
ment as Secretary of State seemed to confirm. There 
is, however, most positive proof that this charge was 



JOHN QUIN'CY ADAMS. 123 

wholly unfounded ; but the rumor politically injured 
both the President and Clay. It is due the magna- 
nimnity of Adams to say, that he offered a seat in 
the Cabinet to Crawford also, which the latter saw fit 
to decline. 



V. HISTORICAL EECOED. 
1825. 

March 4. Inauguration of Adams and Calhoun. 

December 15. A proposition to amend the Con- 
stitution, with reference to the mode of electing the 
president and vice j)resident, was referred to a select 
committee, of which Senator Benton was chairman. 
His report suggested. 1st, The abolition of the elec- 
toral system, and the substitution of the direct vote 
of the people by districts ; 2d, An election by the 
House from the two candidates having the greatest 
number of votes, when there was no majority ; and 
3d, Uniformity in the mode of election. 

October. The Legislature of Tennessee put in 
nomination as candidate for presidential election in 
1828, the name of Andrew Jackson. 

This year was marked by a spirit of speculation, 
both at home and in England. A '' corner" in cot- 
ton inflated the price from 12 to 32 cents per pound. 
The prices of West India goods advanced in like 
ratio ; but a sudden reduction to old rates shattered 
the fortunes of those who rested on these fictitious 
values. 



124 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

1826. 

February 13. The Boston American Temperance 
Society was formed. 

February 15. Mr. McDuffie, of South Carolina, 
introduced a bill in the House for the amendment of 
the Constitution in the manner of electing the presi- 
dent and vice president so as to secure a uniform sys- 
tem of voting by districts in all the States, and to 
take the election entirely from both Houses of Con- 
gress. 

The late election of the President by the House, 
which seemed to violate a fundamental principle of 
representative governments, a minority candidate 
having been preferred, called for reform in this direc- 
tion. The measures finally passed both Houses by 
good majorities, but falling below a two-thirds vote, 
no further steps could be taken, and the amendment 
failed. 

February 23. The principal debate of the session 
in the Senate was had upon the proposed mission 
to Panama. The United States were invited by 
the Eepublics of South America to deliberate with 
them upon measures for common advantage and im- 
provement. This proposition was warmly seconded 
by Adams and Clay, and its consideration elicited in 
both Houses some splendid specimens of oratory, 
wit and invective. The South opposed the measure, 
because such participations would recognize negro 
equality, inasmuch as some of these nations had ad- 
mitted the negro race to the rights of citizenship, 
employing some as generals in their armies, and 
electing others as senators. This meeting, it was 



JOHN QUIXCY ADAMS. 125 

said, would involve ^'entangling alliances." Kan- 
dolph even went so far as to assert that the invitation 
had been "manufactured here at Washington, if not 
by the pens, under the eye of our own ministers, to 
subserve their purposes." It was this remark which 
led to the duel between Clay and Kandolph, a month 
or two later. The motion, however, prevailed, and 
two ministers were appointed, but the measure was 
shorn of the advantages the administration hoped to 
derive from it, both by the death of one of these 
and the unavoidable detention of the other, and the 
failure of the Panama Congress to arrive at any sub- 
stantial results. 

April 8. Eandolph had denounced the President 
and his cabinet as "a puritanic, diplomatic, black- 
legged administration." This course, in connection 
with the charge that Clay had forged the Panama 
invitation, led him to challenge Randolph. This 
was promptly accepted, and resulted in two shots 
and a reconcilliation. 

1828. 

February 12. The Tariff was again revised, and 
duties were made very high. The bill passed both 
houses after long and acrimonious debate, by good 
majorities, and received the President's signature. 
The South became indignant, and the people of South 
Carolina petitioned their Legislature *'to save them, 
if possible, from the conjoined grasp of usurpation 
and poverty." They declared, "we exist as a mem- 
ber of the Union merely as an object of taxation. 
The Northern and Middle States are to be enriched 



126 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADxMINISTRATIONS. 

by the plunder of the South. The citizens of South 
Carolina will be condemned to work as the tributaries 
of the Northern and middle sections of the Union. 
It is so now ; and it is triumphantly determined to 
extend the system indefinitely. 

New England had hitherto been opposed to protec- 
tion ; but having been originally compelled to accept 
it by a vote of the South, she was now unwilling to 
relinquish the benefits time had shown to be connected 
with a high tarifit*. Notable, too, was the conversion 
of Daniel Webster, who now became an eloquent 
advocate of the tariif policy. He excused his course 
by saying that " this has now become the established 
policy of the nation, and that the Eastern States have 
adapted themselves thereto, and that it harmonized 
w^ith their best interests that it should be maintained,'* 
This complete change between the North and the 
South resembled, in one particular, the rather harm- 
less contest of two partially intoxicated men with 
great coats on, who struggled till each had fought 
himself into the coat of the other. The reason for 
the change appears to be, that the South, having 
become almost entirely an agricultural people, was 
anxious to buy goods at the lowest price without addi- 
tion of duties; and the North, having become largely 
ifiterested in manufactures, desired to make a profit 
on their goods, and to be freed from foreign competi- 
tion by the imposition of heavy duties. 
1829. 

January 12. The Senate received a protest from 
the Legislature of Georgia against the Tariff Act of 
1828. 



JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 127 

February 10. South Carolina also sent a protest 
against the Tariff of 1828. 

This Administration was distinguished for remark- 
able activity in agriculture, manufacture, trade and 
commerce. The first railroad was finished, and the 
Erie Canal completed by the State of New York. 
Measures for internal improvements received favora- 
ble attention from the Government. 



VI. POLITICAL PARTIES. 
It soon became evident that the Presidential con- 
test for the next term lay between Adams and Jack- 
son. The opposition movement was fully organized 
as early as 1827. It is believed that Martin Van 
Buren and C. C. Cambreling made a Sourthern tour 
in order to unite all interests to secure the election 
of Jackson in 1828. The last election showed that 
if the friends of Jackson and Crawford were united, 
they could elect their candidate. The canvass against 
Adams was quite spirited, and Clay and Adams were 
denounced as guilty of "coalition, bargain and cor- 
ruption." The Panama mission, on account of its 
failure, had gained no strength for the Administra- 
tion, while the high tariff policy of 1828 encountered 
very fierce opposition in the South, and led to the nul- 
lification acts by South Carolina in 1832. Adams, 
also, was chargeable with the supposed scheme of 
taking New England out of the Union during the 
war of 1812. Jackson, too, did not escape his share 
of scrutiny, and received a liberal amount of criti- 
cism and abuse. It may be said that parties were 



128 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

being reorganized during this Administration. The 
Administration candidates were Adams and Rush; 
the opposition, Jackson and Calhoun. 

The ''era of good feeling" began the third stage 
of political history. Party lines on different issues 
were drawn anew during the eight years of this third 
period, and the Jackson Democracy was formed, which 
entered upon its long career of rule in 1828. 



VII. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. 
There was a surplus at one time in the Treasury 
of $5,000,000. The public debt decreased $22,794,- 
734, an abundant proof that economy and wisdom 
characterized the financial conduct of this adminis- 
tration. 



Year. 


Public Debt. 


Expenditures. 


Exports. 


Imports. 


1825 
1826 
1827 
1828 


$83,788,432 
81,054,059 
73,987,357 
67,475,043 


$23,"585,804 
24,103,398 
22,656,704 
25,459,479 


$99,535,388 
77,595,322 
82,324',727 
72,264.686 


$96,340,075 
84,974,477 
79,484,063 
88,509,824 



IX. OUTLINE OF CONCURRENT EVENTS. 

England : Great panic, 70 banks suspended in Dec. 
1825, the Bank of England, however, remained firm. 

France : Charles X. ; (brother) 1821 to 1830; re- 
vival of absolutism, censorship and the Jesuits. 

Russia : Death of Alexander I. December 1, 1825, 
accession of Nicholas I. (brother), coronation Sept. 8, 
1826; War with Persia 1826; Treaty with England 
and France to erect Greece into a kingdom July 1827. 



CHAPTER VII. 

THE ADMINISTRATION OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

Democratic. Two Terms, 1829 ^o 1837. 



I. CABINET. 

PRESIDENT. 

1829. Andrew Jackson, Tennessee. 

VICE PRESIDENTS. 

1829. John C. Calhoun, South Carolma. 
1833. Martin Van Buren, New York. 

SECRETARIES OF STATE. 

1829. Martin Van Buren, New York. 

1831. Edward Livingston, Louisiana. 

1833. Louis McLane, Delaware. 

1834. John Forsyth, Georgia. 

SECRETARIES OP THE TREASURY. 

1829* Samuel D. Ingham, Pennsylvania. 

1831. Louis McLane, Delaware. 

1833. William J. Duane, Pennsylvania. 

1833. Roger B. Taney, Maryland. 

1834. Levi Woodbury, New Hampshire. 

SECRETARIES OP WAR. 

1829. John H. Eaton, Tennessee. 
1831. Lewis Cass, Michigan. 

SECRETARIES OP THE NAVY. 

1829. John Branch, North Carolina. 
1831. Levi Woodbury, New Hampshire. 
1834. Mahlon Dickerson, New Jersey. 
9 



130 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 
rOSTMASTERS GENERAL. 

1829. William T. Barry, Kentucky. 
1835. Amos Kendall, Kentucky. 

ATTORNEYS GENERAL- 

1829. John MTlierson Berrien, Georgia. 

1831. Roger B. Taney, Maryland. 

1834. Benjamin F. Butler, New York. 

II. CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT. 

1835. December 28, Roger B. Taney, Maryland. 

III. SENATORS ELECTED PRESIDENTS PRO 
M TEMPORE OF THE SENATE. 

1832. July, Littleton W. Tazewell, Virginia. 
1832. December, Hugh L. White, Tennessee. 

1834. June, George Poindexter, Massachusetts. 

1835. March, John Tyler, Virginia. 

1836. July, William R. King, Alabama. 

IV. SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- 
TATIVES. 

XXI. Congress, 1829, Andrew Stevenson, Virginia. 

XXII. '* 1833, Andrew Stevenson, Virginia. 

XXIII. '' 1834, Andrew Stevenson, Virginia. 
'' 1834, Henry Hubbard, N. H. 

1834, John Bell, Tennessee. 

XXIV. '' 1835, James K. Polk, Tennessee. 

V. THE ELEVENTH ELECTION. 
Popular Vote : For President, Andrew Jackson, 



ANDREW JACKSON. 131 

Tennessee, 647,231 ; John Quincy Adams, Massa- 
chusetts, 509,097. 

Electoral Vote : For President, Andrew Jackson, 
1 78 ; John Quincy Adams, 83. For Vice President, 
John C. Calhoun, South Carolina, 171 ; Richard 
Rush, Pennsylvania, 83; William Smith, S. C, 7. 
Total, 2G1. Twenty-four States voted. 



VI. THE TWELFTH ELECTION. 

Popular Vote : For President, Andrew Jackson, 
087,502; Henry Clay, 497,081; (John Floyd, Va. 
and William Wirt, Md.,) 33,108. 

Electoral Vote: For President, Andrew Jackson, 
219; Henry Clay, 49; John Floyd, 11; William 
Wirt. 7. For Vice President, Martin Van Buren, 
189; John Sergeant, Pennsylvania, 49; William 
Wilkins, Pennsylvania, 30; Henry Lee, Massachu- 
setts, 11 ; Amos Ellmaker, Pennsylvania, 7. Total, 
286. Twenty-four States voted. 



VII. POPULATION AND REPRESENTATION. 

1830. Whites, 10,537,378 ; Free colored, 319,599 ; 
Slaves, 2,009,043. Total, 12,866,020. 

The Ratio of Representation was fixed at 47,000, 
giving a membership of 240. 



VIII. HISTORICAL RECORD. 
1829. 
March 4. Gen. Jackson, in liis inaugural address 



132 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

affirmed, that "the recent demonstration of public 
sentiment inscribes on the list of executive duties, in 
characters too legible to be overlooked, the task of 
Eeform." He did not forget to practice on this pre- 
cept, and *' during the first year of his Administra- 
tion, there were nearly seven hundred removals 
from office, not including subordinate clerks. Du- 
ring the forty years preceding, there had been but 
sixty-four." 

March 9. The Postmaster General for the first 
time became a Cabinet officer. 

December 8. In his first message to Congress, 
Jackson recommended an amendment to the Consti- 
tution so as to remove all intermediate agencies in 
the election of the president and vice president. 
"It Avas never designed," he affirmed, "that their 
choice should in any case, be defeated either by the 
intervention of electoral colleges, or by the agency 
confided under certain contingencies, to the House of 
KepresentativeSi Experience proves, that in propor- 
tion as agents to execute the "will of the people are 
multiplied, there is danger of their wishes being frus- 
trated. Some may be unfaithful. All are liable to 
err. So far, therefore, as the people can with con- 
venience speak, it is safer for them to express theii* 
own will" 

1830. 

January 19. Mr. Hayne, of South Carolina, in 
speaking on Mr. Foot's resolution "to inquire into 
the expediency of suspending the sales of the public 
lands," gave a turn to the debate, which called out 



ANDREW JACKSON. 133 

the celebrated discussion betwen Daniel Webster and 
himself, on the new doctrine of nullification and its 
sequence, the dissolution of the Union. Hayne 
spoke in opposition to Mr. Fooot's resolution, and 
argued that the "sale of lauds for money either to 
accumulate in the Public Treasury, or to be divided 
among the States," would lead to corruption and con- 
solidation. "Webster replied, that not consolidation, 
but disunion, was the danger, "and referred to lan- 
guage and proceedings in South Carolina, uncivic in 
their import, and tending to this dire calamity." 
Webster, in this debate, gained for himself the title 
of " Defender of the Constitution." 

March 30. A Treaty of Indemnity was formed 
TvTth Denmark. 

April 6. The Mormon Church was formally estab- 
lished at Manchester, Ontario county, New York. 

April 13. A banquet was given in Washington 
City, to honor the birthday of Mr. Jefferson, but 
secretly to spread the doctrine of nullification, and 
lend it the great name of Jefferson. This doctrine 
was unfolded in twenty-four set toasts, and numerous 
speeches besides. When Jackson, who was present, 
was called upon for a volunteer, he gave that since 
famous maxim, "Our Federal Union: it must be 
preserved ; " which fell like a bolt out of a clear sky. 
Calhoun followed with the toast, "The Union : next 
to our liberty the most dear ; may we all remember, 
that it can only be preserved by respecting the rights 
of the States, and distributing equally the benefit and 
the burden of the Union." Thus it was attempted by 
the nuUifiers, in the language of Madison, "to make 



134 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

the name of Mr. Jefferson the pedestal of their colos- 
sal heresy." The name of Jefferson has been fully 
vindicated from teaching any such doctrine. The 
word ''nullification" does not occur in the Virginia 
Resolutions, which were designed to declare that an 
act of Congress, when unconstitutional, was null and 
void, but to be respected until it was constitutionally 
repealed; 

May 7. A Treaty was made with the Ottoman 
Emj)ire, by which important privileges were secured. 

October 5. Trade with the British West Indies, 
which was lost during the Revolution, was now 
regained by a Treaty with England. The Secretary 
of State, acting on the instructions of Jackson in this 
matter, *'to ask nothing but what is right, and to 
submit to nothing that is wrong," opened the door to 
favorable negotiations. Congress, by an act passed 
May 29th, authorized the President to offer reciprocal 
trade as an inducement. 

December 7. Jackson made an early attack upon 
the United States Bank in his annual message to Con- 
gress, in these words : " Nothing has occurred to les- 
sen in any degree the dangers which many of our cit- 
izens apprehend from that institution as at present 
organized." He took ground against the recharter 
of the bank. 

During this year it became known to Jackson that 
the old Administration paper, "The Telegraph," 
would espouse the cause of Calhoun as leader of a 
new political faction. The President, acting on the 
motto that *' forewarned is forearmed," took irame- 



ANDREW JACKSON. 135 

diate steps to establish an organ, (since known as the 
"Globe"), with Francis P. Blair as editor. 
1831. 

February 2. Senator Benton introduced a bill for 
the non-renewal of the United States Bank, about to 
expire by limitation March, 4, 1836 — which was lost 
by a vote of 22 to 20. 

In March Calhoun published a pamphlet to explain 
the cause of the rupture between Jackson and him- 
self. This quarrel among the party chiefs was fol- 
lowed by the resignation of the entire Cabinet, with 
the single exception of the Postmaster General. 

During this year, the Mormons, to the number of 
1,000 settled in Kirtland, Ohio, and also in Missouri, 
where they intended to locate their ''Zion or New 
Jerusalem." 

1832. 

January 9. The President of the United States 
Bank, N, Biddle, petitioned the Senate for a renewal 
of the Bank charter. 

March. The United States, by a treaty of indem- 
nity, received 8140,000 from Portugal. 

The Sacs and Foxes, under lead of the celebrated 
Black Hawk, fell upon the settlers along the Wiscon- 
sin and Illinois State line, and defeated Stillman's 
volunteers at Kock River. May 14. Battles fought as 
follows : Pickatolica River, June 15 ; two skirmishes 
at Kellogg's Grove, June 16 ; Galena, June 18 ; Kel- 
logg's Grove, June 24; Blue Mounds, July 21 ; At- 
tack on the steamer "Warrior, August 1. The Black 
Hawk War was terminated by the Battle of Bad Axe, 



136 THE FKESIDENTS AND Tlir.lK. AnMlMSTKATlONS. 

on August 2cl, at its junction with the Mississippi. 
The Indians, to the number of 500, suflered a crush- 
ing defeat in the engagement ^Yith 400 reguLirs and 

000 volunteers, under the command of Gen. Atkin- 
son. Bhiek Hawk was captured, and the remnant 
was competed to remove beyond the ^Mississippi. 
During the summer, 22 white people were killed and 
40 wounded. Indian loss, 2G3 warriors and 40 wo- 
men. Lincoln, as captain of a volunteer company, 
and Jeff. Davis, as lieutenant of the regulars, served 
in this contest. 

July 10. The bill to recharter the United States 
Bank passed the Senate June 11, and the House July 
3, but it suffered its death blow July 10, when it was 
returned with the President's veto. Clay and Web- 
ster very strongly urged a renewal of the bank char- 
ter. The young Jackson Democratic party, then in 
the minority in both branches of Congress, was 
opposed to it ; but the minority, with the President's 
veto on this and other measures, proved strong enough 
to defeat the opposition. 

November 24. South Carolina passed an act to 
nullify the Tariff Bill of Congress, deeming it an 
unconstitutional measure. 

December 11. The President issued a Proclama- 
tion to warn the citizens of South Carolina from 
engaging in acts of resistance, and immediately sent 
troops to Charleston, under Gen. Scott, to enforce the 

1 aws. ' ' If South CiU'olina considers the revenue laws 
unconstitutional," the message continued, '' and has a 
right to prevent their execution in the port of Charles- 
ton, there would be a clear constitutional objection 



ANDREW JACKSON. 187 

to their collection in every other port, and no revc- 
puo could bo collected anywhere ; for all imposts must 
be c:j[ual." 

December 28. Calhoun resigned the Vice Presi- 
dency in order to take a seat in the Senate, and a 
more active part in politics. 

During this year, Prof. Morse perfected the electric 
tcjegraph. Texas revolted from Mexico, and endeav- 
ored to establish her independence, 

1833 

January IG. Jackson published his celebrated Nul- 
lification message. 

February 26. The Senate (Clay's) Compromise 
Tariff Bill (which had been substituted for Mr. Ver- 
planck's Tariff bill,) passed the House, and was then 
sent to the Senate for concurrence. Clay's bill met 
with a fatal objection in the Senate on account of a 
clause for raising revenue, which made it necessary 
to send it to the House for origination. Clay, now, 
as heretofore, advocated a compromise measure to 
allay the discontent of the South. The bill provided 
for an annual reduction of one-tenth of the present 
duties for seven years, at the end of which time ' ' all 
the remaining duty above twenty per cent, should be 
equally divided into two parts, and one part struck 
off at the end of one year thereafter, and the other 
half at the end of another year, so that at the end of 
nine years al'l duties should be reduced to twenty per 
cent, on the value, with a list of free articles, and no 
more revenue to be raised than necessary for the 
economical support of the government. The act to 



138 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

be permanent/' Some friends of Clay informed him 
tliat this was a denial of " the American System, and 
would cost him the presidency." He very nobly re- 
plied, "I would rather be right than President.'* 
This bill passed both Houses, and was accepted by 
the South as a finality on the Tariff question. 

March 4. Inauguration of Jackson and Van Bu- 
ren. At the first, Jackson's nomination had been 
received with ridicule, and contempt ; but his mas- 
tering and unconquerable will and intuitive judg- 
ment subjected to an intense love of the Union and 
most unflinching integrity, made him a very popular 
candidate, and secured him a handsome reelection. 

September 22. During the recess of Congress, 
Jackson issued an order for the removal of Deposits 
from the United States Bank, The Secretary re- 
fusing to comply, he immediately removed him, and 
appointed in his stead Roger B. Taney, as Secretary 
of the Treasury, by whom the order was issued. In 
its proper sense, it was not a removal, but a cessa- 
tion of deposits. The funds in the Bank were left 
to be withdrawn in the ordinary course of public ex- 
penditures ; but new collections of revenue and pub- 
lic moneys were to be deposited elsewhere in the local 
banks for safe keeping. When Congress convened, 
it refused to ratify Taney's nomination, and on 
March 28, 1834, the President himself was censured 
by the Senate for what was considered an arbitrary 
removal of the deposits, and the resolution itself 
was permanently entered on the pages of the journal. 

For this important service, Taney was rewarded 
with appointment of Chief Justice a short time after. 



ANDREW JACKSON. J 39 

1834, 

February. A treaty of indemnity was made with 
Spain. 

The "Panic Session" of Congress— 1834-35— was 
produced by the great fight between the Administra- 
tion and the United States Bank. The bank had 
contracted its operations, refusing to grant and extend 
loans, so that, as a consequence, great financial dis- 
tress ensued. Congress was almost wholly occupied 
with the reception of distress memorials, which poured 
in up'jn it from all sections of the country. Jackson 
was severely denounced, and in many instances a 
renewal of the bank charter was requested. To rem- 
edy, in part, this distress, the gold currency bill was 
passed. 

April 15. Jackson sent his Protest to the Senate, 
against its vote of censure and entry on the Journal. 
1835. 

January 30, (Friday.) A lunatic attempted to 
shoot the President, but his pistols failed to fire. 

December 19. The Government attempted to re- 
move the Seminoles beyond the Mississippi, much 
against their will. The Indians, counselled by their 
chief sachem, Micanopy, and led by their principal 
chief, Osceola, commenced a most distressing warfare 
upon the settlements in Georgia and Florida, which 
they were able to continue with varying success for 
seven years. 

1836. 

February 8. The President announced in a mes- 
sage, that ''the Government of Great Britain had 
offered its mediation for the adjustment of the dispute 



140 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

between the United States and France." The subject 
of *' French Spoliation" had assumed a warlike 
appearance, but through the friendly mediation of 
England the President ^vas able to announce, May 10, 
'* that the four instalments under our treaty with 
France have been paid to the agent of the United 
States." 

June 15. Arkansas, the twenty-fifth State, was 
admitted to the Union. 

1837. 
January 16. Senator Benton, after repeated effort 
and failure, finally succeeded in carrying his expung- 
ing resolutions, and black lines were drawn on the 
page of the Journal round the words of censure which 
had been passed March 28, 1834, and read in these 
words : 

" Resolved, That the President, in the late executive pro- 
ceedings in relation to the revenue, has assumed upon him- 
self authority and power not conferred by the Constitution 
and laws, but in derogation of both." 

January 26. Michigan, the 26th State, admitted 
to the Union. 

March 1. The House voted to acknowledge the 
independence of Texas. 

March 3. Jackson published his Farewell Ad- 
dress : ''I thank God that my life has been spent in 
a land of liberty, and that he has given me a heart 
to love my country with the affection of a son. And, 
filled with gratitude for your constant and unwaver- 
ing kindness, I bid you a last and affectionate fare- 
well." 



ANDREW JACKSON. 141 

IX. POLITICAL PARTIES. 

The election of Jackson proved a revolution of par- 
ties, and party lines became distinctly fixed by the 
great debates on Nullification, the United States 
Bank and the Tariff Policy. 

In the election of 1832 three parties divided the 
suffrages of the nation. 

1. The United States Anti-Masonic party held a 
convention in Philadelphia, Sept. 1830, 96 delegates 
from 11 States being present — the first national polit- 
ical convention that ever assembled in this country. 
The following resolution was adopted : 

Resolved^ That it is recommended to the people of the United States, 
opposed to secret societies, to meet in convention on Monday, the 26tli 
day of September, 1831, at the city of Baltimore, by delegates eaiial 
in number to their representatives in both Houses of Congress, to 
make nominations of suitablo candidates for the offices of President 
and Vice President, to be supported at the next election, and for the 
transaction of such other business as the cause of Anti-Masonry may 
require. 

In compliance with this request, 112 delegates, from 
13 States, attended the convention, and nominated 
William Wirt, of Maryland, and Amos Ellmaker, 
of Pennsylvania, as their candidates. The supposed 
abduction of William Morgan, a short time previ- 
viously, for publishing the secrets of the masonic 
order, gave rise to this party. 

2. The " National Kepublican " party met at Bal- 
timore Dec. 12th. 1831. Henry Clay and John Ser- 
geant were unanimously chosen by a vote of 157 
delegates, from 17 States and the District. They 
adopted no platform, but issued an Address, in which 
the Administration was sharply criticised 

In conformity to a recommendation, the young men 
of the Republican party held a meeting of ratification 



142 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

at Washington, May lltli, 1832, over which William 
Cost Johnson, of Maryland, presided. The following 
resolutions, among others, were adopted, intended to 
express the party principles : 

Besohed, That an adequate Protection to American Industry is in- 
diepensiblo to the prosperity of the country ; and that an abandonment 
of the policy at this period would bo attended with consequences ruin- 
ous to the best interests of the Nation. 

Eesolved, That a uniform system of Internal Improvements, sus- 
tained and supported by the general government, is calculated to se- 
cure, in the highest degree, the harmony, tho strength and perma- 
nency of the Republic. 

Resolved, That the indiscriminate removal of public officers for a 
mere difference of political opinion, is a gross abuse of power; and 
that the doctrine lately boldly preached in the United States Senate, 
that " to tho victors belong the spoils of tho vanquished," is detrimen- 
tal to tho interest, corrupting the morals, and dangerous to the liber- 
ties of the country. 

3. The Democratic or Jackson National Conven- 
tion assembled at Baltimore in May, 1832, to deter- 
mine what name should be placed with Jackson's^ 
there having been no opposition to his re-election* 
Business was commenced by the passage of the fol- 
lowing resolution, which appears to have been the 
origin of the since famous two-thirds rule : 

Resolved, That each State bo entitled in the nomination to be made 
for the vice presidency, to a number of votes equal to tho number to 
which they will be entitled in the electoral colleges, under the new ap- 
portionment in voting for president and vice president ; and that two- 
thirds the whole number of tho votes in the convention shall be neces- 
sary to constitute a choice. 

Martin Van Buren, on the first ballot, received the 
nomination by more than a two-thirds vote. The 
chairman of the committee, appointed to draft an 
Address, reported that. 

The Committee, having interchanged opinions on the subject sub- 
mitted to them, and agreeing fully in the principles and senti- 
ments which they believe ought to bo embodied in an address of this 
description, if such an address were be made, nevertheless deem it ad- 
visable under existing circumstances, to recommend the following reso- 
lution : 

Resolved, That it be recommended to the several delegates ia the con- 
vention, in place of a general address from this body to the people of 
tho United Stares, to make such explanations by address, report, or 
otherwise, to their respective constituents, of the object, proceeding 
and result ot thu meeting, as they deem expedient. 



ANDREW JACKSON. 143 

South Carolina— electors chosen by the Legisla- 
ture — was still nettled by the Tariff bill, and refused 
to vote for any of the regular candidates. She com- 
plimented John Floyd, of Virginia, and Henry Lee, 
of Massachusetts, by casting her 11 votes for them. 

The Election of 1836. 1. The Democratic Na- 
tional Convention met at Baltimore in May, 1835, 
confirmed the two-thirds rule, unanimously selected 
Van Buren, and gave over two-fifths majority to R. 
M. Johnson, for first and second place on the presi- 
dential ticket. They adopted no platform. 

2. The opposition was somewhat divided. 
Whig State Convention at Harrisburg, in 1836, ex- 
pressed a choice for William H. Harrison and Fran- 
cis Granger. This nomination was confirmed by the 
Democratic Anti-Masonic Convention, which was 
held at the same place. A Maryland Whig Conven- 
tion designated Harrison and Tyler. New York, 
Ohio and other States declared for Harrison. The 
Legislatures of Tennessee and Alabama, represent- 
ing the anti-Jackson element ir, those States, voted 
for Hugh L. White. Massachusetts complimented 
her favorite son, Daniel Webster, by giving him 14 
electoral votes for President. South Carolina gave 
her votes to Willie P. Mangum, who was not a can- 
didate, and Virginia gave 23 votes to William Smith, 
of South Carolina. The Opposition, thus, being 
conducted under the leadership of so many chiefs, 
lacked that strength which concentration would have 
given it, and Van Buren was elected by a mere pop- 
ular majority, 

The name **Whig" was first applied to the opposi- 



144 



THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 



tion in New York City in the City election of 1834, 
and the National Eepublicans soon after permanently 
adopted the term. 

The designation ''Locofoco," given to the Demo- 
cratic party, also originated in New York City. 
There arose, in 1835, two factions in its ranks, and 
the wing called *' Equal Eights," meeting in Tam- 
many Hall to select other candidates, there arising 
a division, the lights were suddenly extinguished ; 
but the "Equal Rights" men having apprehended 
such an event had come with candles and locofoco 
matches, and were thus enabled to immediately re- 
light the Hall. 



X. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. 
The question, '' is it desirable to have a large pub- 
lic debt," was answered in the negative by Jackson, 
as may be inferred from the fact, that the public 
debt was almost totally extinguished in 1836, when 
its minimum was reached. In this respect, this 
financial year will stand without a parallel for many 
years to come. The war debt of 1812 was paid in 
less than twenty years. 



Tear. 


Public Debt. 


Expenditures. 


Exports. 


Imports. 


1829 
1830 
1831 
1832 
1833 
1834 
1835 
1836 


$58,421,413 

48,565,406 

39,124,191 

24,322,235 

7,001,032 

4,760,081 

351,289 

291,089 


$25,044,358 
24,585,281 
30,038,446 
34,356,698 
24,257,298 
24,601,982 
27,573,141 
30,934,664 


$72,358,671 

73,849,508 

81,310,583 

87,176,943 

90,140,443 

104,336,973 

121,693,577 

128,663,040 


$74,492,527 
70,876,920 
103,191,124 
101,029,266 
108,118,311 
126,521,332 
149,895,742 
189.980,085 



ANDREW JACKSON. 145 

XI. OUTLINE OF CONCURRENT EVENTS. 

England : Death of George IV. and accession of 
William IV., June 26, 1830, coronation September 
9, 1831 ; Siitteeism abolished in India by decree of 
England, December 14, 1829; Irish Keform Bill 
passed August 7, 1832; Slavery abolished in the 
British Empire, by William IV., owners to receive a 
compensation of £20,000,000, August 28, 1833, to 
take effect August 1, 1844. 

France : Three Days Eevolution, July 27, 1829 ; 
Polignac Ministry, August 8, 1829; abdication of 
Charles X,, June 2, accessison of Louis Philiipe, 
August 7, 1830. 

The restoration of the Bourbons marked an era to 
restore absolutism in Church and State. Standinsj 
armies in every State but England maintained order, 
the standing armies, 4,305,000 in number, kept in 
subjection a population of 272,000,000. 

Poland: Declared free by the Polish diet, Jan. 
25— invaded by a Russian army of 140,000 men — 
surrender of Warsaw Sept. 7 — and the war with Rus- 
sia terminated October 20, 1831 ; declared a part of 
Russia by the imperial ukase of Nicholas I. Feb. 26, 
1832. 

Greece : (Independence declared 1832, Capo d' Is- 
trias, President, 1827.) Count d'lstrias assassinated 
on account of subserviency to Russia, October 9, 
1831 ; The election of Prince Otho, of Bavaria, as 
King, was approved August 8, 1832. 

10 



CHAPTER VIII. 

THE ADMINISTRATION OF MARTIN TAN BUREN. 

Democratic. One Term, 1837 to 1841. 



I. CABINET. 

PRESIDENT. 

1837. Martin Van Buren, New York. 

VICE PRESIDENT. 

1837. Richard M. Johnson, Kentucky. 

SECRETARY OF STATE. 

1837. John Forsyth, Georgia. 

SECRETARY OF TUB TREASURY. 

1837. Levi Woodbury, New Hampshire. 

SECRETARY OF WAR. 

1837. Joel R. Poinsett, South Carolina. 

SECRETARIES OF THE NAVY. 

1837. Mahlon Dickerson, New Jersey. 

1838. James K. Paulding, New York. 

POSTMASTERS GENERAL. 

1837. Amos Kendall, Kentucky. 
1840. John M. Niles, Connecticut. 

ATTORNEYS GENERAL. 

1837. Benjamin F. Butler, New York. 

1838. Felix Grundy, Tennessee. 
1840. Henry D. Gilpin, Pennsylvania. 



MARTIN VAN BUREN. 147 

II. SENATOR ELECTED PKESIDENT PRO 
TEMPORE OF THE SENATE. 

1840. Samuel L. Southard, New Jersey. 



III. SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- 
TATIVES. 

XXV. Congress, James K. Polk, Tennessee. 

XXVI. " James K. Polk, Tennessee. 



IV. THE THIRTEENTH ELECTION. 

Popular Vote : For President, Martin Van Buren, 
761,549 ; William H. Harrison, Hugh L. White, 
Daniel Webster and Willie P. Mangum — the oppo- 
sition— 736,656. 

Electoral vote: For President, Van Buren, 170; 
Harrison, 73 ; White, 26 ; Webster, 14 ; Mangum, 11. 

For Vice President, Kichard M. Johnson, 147; 
Francis Granger, N. Y., 77 ; John Tyler, 47 ; Wm. 
Smith, 23. Total, 294, Twenty-six States voted. 
There was no election for Vice President, and the 
choice devolved, for the first time, on the Senate. A 
two-thirds vote from the two candidates having the 
greatest number of votes is necessary to election. 
The Senate confirmed the popular will by electing 
Richard M. Johnson, who lacked but one electoral 
vote of a majority. Johnson received 33 votes; 
Granger, 16. 



V. POPULATION AND REPRESENTATION. 
1840. Whites, 14,195,695 ; Free colored, 386,303 ; 
Slaves, 2,487,455. Total, 17,069,453. 



148 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

The Katio of Kepresentation was fixed at 70,680, 
making the membership 233. 



VI. HISTORICAL RECORD. 
1837. 

May 10. All deposit banks suspended specie pay- 
ment in New York City. The Legislature subse- 
quently passed a bill to make the suspension valid for 
one year. The banks generally followed the exam- 
ple. This result, it is said, was secured by the politi- 
cians working in co-operation with the United States 
Bank, in order to demonstrate the necessity and util- 
ity of rechartering the bank; 

May 15. An extra session of Congress was called, 
to meet on the first day of September, '' on account 
of great and weighty matters claiming their atten- 
tion." 

October. Osceola, while visiting the American 
camp, under a flag of truce, during the progress of 
the Indian war, was arrested and incarcerated in Fort 
Moultrie, where he died shortly afterwards. 

October 4. The sub-Treasury bill passed the Sen- 
ate, but was rejected by the House. 

December 27. Mr. Calhoun introduced into the 
Senate six resolutions, which were "framed to declare 
the whole power of Congress upon the subject of 
slavery, and were presented for a 'test' vote, and as 
the future 'platform' and permanent 'settlement' of 
the law on the slavery question." Calhoun now 
expressed himself as opposed to the Missouri Com- 
promise, on account of the encouragement which it 



MARTIN VAN BUREN. 149 

afforded the abolitionists. This debate became one of 
the most interesting that was ever had upon this sub- 
ject in Congress. 

December 29. The " Patriot's AVar " broke out in 
Canada. The American steamer Caroline was burnt 
by the Eoyalists and sent over Niagara Falls, because 
it had engaged in conveying munitions of war to the 
rebels. At this time, too, the question of the North- 
east boundary between Maine and New Brunswick as- 
sumed a warlike aspect. 

During the winter of 1838-39, the Mormons, 
being expelled from Missouri, removed to Illinois. 

The Bank fight, which Jackson had so successfully 
waged, culminated, this year, in a great financial cri- 
sis. Property greatly depreciated in value ; failures 
became of frequent occurrence ; losses in New York 
city amounted to over $100,000,000 during the 
months of March and April. Eight States wholly 
or in part failed, and even the United States Govern- 
ment itself became unable to pay its debts. The 
direct causes are said to have been: 1. The specie 
circular of Jackson, requiring payment for public 
lands to be made in gold and silver, soon gathered all 
the specie into the U. S. Treasury. 2. A general 
spirit of speculation, based very largely on the credit 
system. 3. An act of Congress, which directed the 
surplus public money, amounting to $28,000,000, to 
be withdrawn from the local banks, and . divided 
among the several States. 4. During the season of 
high prices and speculation, European goods had 
been overbought, and now required to be paid in 
specie. 5. The great fire* in New York city (Dec. 



150 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

16th, 1835,) which burned 600 valuable stores, and 
destroyed property worth over $18,000,000. 

January 16. The Vermont anti-slavery resolu- 
tions were laid on the table by a vote of the Senate. 

February 14. J, Q. Adams presented 350 anti- 
slavery and anti-Texas-annexation petitions in the 
House, and all relating to slavery or annexation were 
voted to be laid on the table. Texas, being at war 
with Mexico, had asked admission to the Union. At 
this time this was denied, because, to annex Texas 
was to annex war. 

March 10. Personal and political debate between 
Clay and Calhoun occurred on the Independent Treas- 
ury Bill. 

April 15. One hundred and forty-three delegates 
from the principal banks in the United States met in 
New York city to consider the financial situation and 
the expediency of an early resumption of specie pay- 
ment. It was voted to resume on January 1st, 1839; 

May 10. The New York city banks determined 
to act alone, and recommended immediate resumption 
to all the State banks* Their example was followed, 
in less than sixty days, by all the banks in the country, 
and the financial distress was partly relieved. 

August 13. The U. S. Bank — it had been incor- 
porated as a Philadelphia bank — was compelled to 
follow the example already set, and resume specie 
payment. 

August 18. The American Scientific and Explor- 
ing Exj^edition sailed from Hampton Koads for the 
circumnavigation of the world. 

December 12. The House adopted the rule to lay 



MARTIN VAN BUREN. 151 

every petition relating to slavery on the table, ''with- 
out being debated, printed or referred." 

1839. 

October 9. The final suspension of the U. S. 
Philadelphia bank put an end to the protracted strug- 
gle with the Democratic party for recharter. The U. 
S. Bank, having been granted a State charter by 
Pennsylvania, had nominally transferred itself to the 
Philadelphia Bank, and attempted to continue its 
former business and to circulate its old notes. Con- 
gress, the year previous, passed an act to make this 
offense — called^ "exhumer and resurrectionist of de- 
funct notes" — punishable with fine and imprisonment. 
The Bank had denounced the attempt of the Admin- 
istration to substitute specie for paper currency, as 
"humbug," "an experiment," and " tampering with 
the currency." Senator Benton claimed that this 
" experiment," by creating a demand for specie, had 
caused it to flow into the country during the six pre- 
ceding years to the amount of $80,000,000. 

1840. 

June 30. The Independent Treasury Bill was 
passed. This act has been called the ''crowning 
mercy of Van Buren's Administration." 

1841. 

The frequent anti-slavery petitions which were 
poured in upon Congress, gave a new and alarming 
aspect to the slavery agitation in the country. 



152 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

VII. POLITICAL PARTIES. 
Three parties prepared to enter the contest of 1840. 

1. The Abolition party met at Warsaw, N. Y., 
November 13, 1839, and adopted the following de- 
claration : 

Eesolved, That, in our judgment, every consideration of duty and 
expediency whiicli ought to control the action of Christian freemen, 
requires of the Aholitionists of the United States to organize a distinct 
and independent political party, embracing all the necessary means for 
nominating candidates for oflace and sustaining them by public suffrage. 

James G. Birney, of N. Y., and Francis J. Le- 
moyne, of Penn,, were then nominated. These both 
declined the candidature, but notwithstanding, 7,609 
votes were cast for them in the Free States. 

2. The Whig party met in National Convention 
at Harrisburg, December 4, 1839, and on the first 
ballot the vote stood: for Harrison, 149, Clay 90, 
Gen. Scott 16. Ballots had been repeatedly taken 
in committee for three days, but no candidate could be 
agreed upon, and it was left to the convention to make 
its own selection. John Tyler received a unani- 
mous nomination for the vice presidency. No plat- 
form was adopted. The Whig party claimed to be 
the supporter and representative of individual and 
national independence, of free suffrage, of progress 
and conservative measures; meaning by the latter 
term a policy proceeding directly from the real ma- 
jority as expressed through their lawful representa- 
tives. 

3. The Democratic party held a National Con- 
vention at Baltimore, May 5, 1840, and unanimously 
named Van Buren for reelection, but made no choice 
for the vice presidency. They adopted the following 
platform ; 



MARTIN VAN BUREN. 153 



1. Resolved, That the Federal QoTernment is one of limited powers, 
derived solely from the Constitution, and the grants of power shown 
therein ought to be etrictly construed by all the departments and 
agents of the government, and that it is inexpedient and dangerous to 
exercise doubtiul constitutional powers. 

2. Resolved, That the Constitution does not confer upon the Gen- 
eral Government the power to commence or carry on a general system 
of internal improvement. 

3. Resolved, That the Constitution does not confer authority upon 
the Federal Government, directly or indirectly, to assume the debts of 
the Fcveral States, contracted for local internal improvements or other 
purposes ; nor would such assumption bo just or expedient. 

4. Resolved, That justice and sound policy forbid the Federal Gov- 
ernment to foster one branch of industry to the detriment of another, 
or to cherish the interest of one portion to the injury of another por- 
tion of our common country— that every citizen and every section of 
the country has a right to demand and insist upon an equality of rights 
and privileges, and to complete and ample protection of persons and 
property from domestic violence or foreign aggression. 

5. Resolved, That it is the duty of every branch of the government 
to enforce and practice the most rigid economy in conducting our pub- 
lic affairs, and that no more revenue ought to be raised than is required 
to defray the necessary expenses of the government. 

6. Resolved, That Congress has no power to charter a United States 
Bank, that we believe such an institution one of deadly hostility to 
the best interests of the country, dangerous to our republican institu- 
tions and the liberties of the people, and calculated to place the business 
of the country within the control of a concentrated money power, and 
above the laws and the will of the people. 

7. Resolved, That Congress has no power, under the Constitution, 
to interfere with or control the domestic institutions of the several 
States; and that such States are the sole and proper judges of every- 
thing pertaining to their own affairs, not prohibited by the Constitu- 
tion; that all efforts, by abolitionists or others, made to induce Con- 
gress to interfere with questions of slavery, or to take incipient steps 
in relation thereto, are calculated to lead to the most alarming and 
dangerous consequences, and that all such efforts have an inevitable 
tendency to diminish the happiness of the people, and endanger the 
stability and permanence of the Union, and ought not to be counte- 
nanced by any friend to our Political Institutions. 

8. Resolved, That the separation of the moneys of the government 
from banking institutions is indispeneible for the safety of the funds 
of the government and the rights of the people. 

9. Re-olved, That the liberal principles embodied by Jefferson in 
the Declaration of Independence, and sanctioned in the Constitution, 
which makes ours the land of'liberty and the asylum of the oppressed 
of every nation, have ever been cardinal principles in the Democratic 
faith : and every attempt to abridge the present privilege of becoming 
citizens, and the owners of soil among us, ought to be resisted with the 
same spirit which swept the Alien and Sedition Laws from our statute 
book. 

The following preamble and resolution, which was 
adopted, will explain why no candidate for the vice 
presidency was selected ; 



154 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

Whereas, Several of tho States which hare nominated Martin Van 
Buron as a candidate for the presidency, Lave put in nomination dif- 
ferent individuals as candidates for vice president, tlius indicating a 
diversity of opinion as to the person best entitled to tho nomination; 
and whereas some of the said States are not represented in this conven- 
tion, therefore, 

jRt'soh-ed, That the Convention deem it expedient at the present 
time not to choose between the Individuals in nomination, but to leave 
the decision to their Kepublican follow-citizens in the several States, 
trusting that before tho eletion shall take place, their opinions will bo- 
corao so concentrated as to secure the choice of a vice president by tho 
Electoral College. 

The campaign of 1840 proved one of great vigor 
and unbounded enthusiasm. The opposition assailed 
the Administration, laying to its charge the financial 
disasters which had involved so many in ruin and 
bankruptcy. The war with the Florida Indians had 
been conducted with great extravagance, and was 
barren of important results. Van Buron was repre- 
sented as "a Northern man with Southern principles." 

On the other hand, it was asserted that Gen. Har- 
rison had lived in a loaj cabin. This fact was made 
to play an important part in the canvass, and log 
cabins were erected in the public parks of some of the 
wealthiest cities, ornamented with coon-skins, after 
the fashion of frontier huts, to show the comjjlete 
identification of the pai'ty with the common people 
and their interests. Monster meetings, covering many 
acres of ground, were held in many parts of the 
Union. Eloquence and song — ** Tippecanoe and 
Tyler too" — with, perhaps, a. little cider drinking, 
united to extol the merits of the Whig candidates. 
Gen. Harrison himself addressed an open-air meeting 
at Dayton, Ohio, estimated to number about 80,000 
people. On this tide of popular favor, Harrison and 
Tyler were carried into office by an overwhelming 
majority. 



MARTIN VAN BURJ2N. 



155 



VIII. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. 
In regard to the financial prospects of the country, 
the President, in his last message, said, " the industry, 
enterprise, perseverance and economy of the Ameri- 
can people cannot fail to raise the whole country, at 
an early period, to a state of solid and enduring pros- 
perity, not subject to be again overthrown by the sus- 
pension of banks, or the explosion of a bloated credit 
system." The debt increased $4,833,988. 



Year 


Public Debt. 


Expenditures. 


Exports. 


Imports. 


1837 
1838 
1839 
1840 


$1,878,223 
4,857,660 

11,983,737 
5,125,077 


$37,265,037 
39,455,438 
37,014,936 
28,226,553 


$117,419,370 
108,486,616 
121,088,416 
132,085,930 


$140,989,217 
113,717,404 
162,092.132 
107,641,519 



IX. OUTLINE OF CONCURRENT EVENTS. 

England: Death of William IV., accession of 
Victoria, (Hanover separated from), June 20, 1837, 
Coronation, June 28 — Canadian rebellion suppressed 
by battle of Prescott, U. C, Nov. 17, 1838 ; penny 
postage, January 10 ; Marriage of Queen with Prince 
Albert, February 10 —Victoria's life attempted by 
Edward Oxford, June 10, 1840 ; Union of Upper 
and Lower Canada, February 10, 1841. 

France: War with Mexico declared July 12, 
1838, concluded by Peace at Vera Cruz March 9, 
1839 ; Louis Napoleon taken prisoner in an attempt 
with 50 followers to restore the Empire, near Boul- 
ogne, Aug. 6, and sentenced to imprisonment for life 
at Ham, Oct. 6 — Louis Phillipe's life attempted by 
Darmes Oct. 15, 1840. 



CHAPTER IX. 

THE ADMINISTRATION OF HARRISON AND TILER 

Whig, then Liberal, and finally/ Democratic, 
to 1845. 



I. CABINET. 

PRESIDENTS. 

1841. William Henry Harrison, Ohio, (died April 

4th, 1841.) 
1841. John Tyler, Virginia. 

VICE PKESIDENT. 

1841. John Tyler, Virginia. 

SECRETARIES OP STATE. 

1841. Daniel Webster, Massachusetts. 

1843. Hugh L. Legare, South Carolina. 

1843. Abel P. Upshur, Virginia. 

1844. John Nelson, Maryland. 

1844. John C. Calhoun, South Carolina. 

SECRETARIES OP THE TREASURY. 

1841. Thomas Ewing, Ohio. 

1841. AYalter Forward, Pennsylvania. 

1843. Caleb Cushing, Mass., (rejected by Senate.) 

1843. John C. Spencer, New York. 

1844. George M. Bibb, Kentucky. 

SECRETARIES OP WAR. 

1841. John Bell, Tennessee. 

1841. John McLean, Ohio, (declined.) 

1841. John Ci Spencer, New York. 

1843. James M. Porter, Pa. , (rejected by the Senate.) 

1844. William Wilkins, Pennsylvania. 



WILLIAM H. HARRISON. 157 

SECRETARIES OF THE NAVY. 

1841. George E. Badger, North Carolina. 

1841. Abel P. Upshur, Virginia. 

1843. David Henshaw, Mass., (rejected by Senate.) 

1844. Thomas W. Gilmer, Virginia. 
1844. John Y. Mason, Virginia. 

POSTMASTERS GENERAL. 

1841. Francis Granger, New York. 

1841. Charles A. Wickliffe, Kentucky. ^ 

ATTORNEYS GENERAL. 

1841. John J. Crittenden, Kentucky. 
1841. Hugh S. Legare, South Carolina. 
1844. John Nelson, Maryland. 



II. SENATOR ELECTED PRESIDENTS PRO TEM- 
PORE OF THE SENATE. 

'1842. May, Willie P. Mangum, North Carolina. 



III. SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- 
TATIVES. 

XXVII. Congress, Kobert M. T. Hunter, Virginia. 
XXVIIT. " John AVhite, Kentucky. 

" John W. Jones, Virginia. 

*' George W. Hopkins, Virginia. 



V. THE FOURTEENTH ELECTION. 
Popular Vote . For President : Wm. H. Harri- 
son, 1,275,011; Martin Van Buren, 1,128,702; 
James G. Birney, 7,059. 



158 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

Electoral Vote : For President : Harrison, 234 ; 
Van Buren, 60. For Vice President : John Tyler, 
234; Richard M. Johnson, 48; L. W. Tazewell, S. 
C, 11; James K; Polk, 1. Total, 294. Twenty- 
six States voted. 



V. POPULATION AND KEPRESENTATION. 

1840. Whites, 14,195,695 ; Free Colored, 386,303 ; 
slaves, 2,487,455. Total, 17,069,453. 

The Ratio of Representation was fixed at 70,680 
giving a membership of 233. 



VI. HISTORICAL RECORD. 
1841. 

March 17. President Harrison issued a call for 
an extra session of Congress to convene May 31st. 

April 4. Sudden and unexpected death of Har- 
rison. 

April 6. Tyler was inaugurated President. He 
requested the Cabinet to remain as his own, and con- 
curred in the call for the extra session of Congress. 

April 6. The foundations of the Mormon temple 
were laid at Nauvoo, Illinois. 

April 10. The first number of the N. Y. Tribune, 
price one cent, a Whig paper, Horace Greeley Editor, 
was issued. 

May 31. Congress convened. Mr. Wise moved 
that the Rules of the last House be adopted for 10 
days. John Quincy Adams amended, by inserting, 
'' except the 21st rule which is hereby rescinded." 
This rule, which excluded Abolition petitions, was 



JOHN TYLER. 159 

now rescinded and the right of petition was gained, 
by a vote of 112 to 104. The Whig majority in the 
Senate numbered 7, in the House, 40. The Whigs 
hastened to undo the obnoxious measures which hith- 
erto had been ineffectually opposed. 

June 9. The Sub-Treasury Bill was repealed by 
the Senate. It passed the House August 9, and re- 
ceived without delay the President's signature. 

July 8. The ''Hour Rule" was adopted by the 
House. Clay attempted its introduction in the Sen- 
ate, but it was rejected as an effort to put a gag law 
upon the liberty of debate. 

August IG. The Bill to incorporate the ''Fiscal 
Bank of the United States " w^as vetoed by Tyler. 

September 9. The Bill to establish the "Fiscal 
corporation of the United States " was also vetoed by 
the President. 

September 11. It appearing that the President was 
dealing doubly with the Whig party, his entire Cab- 
inet, with the exception of Webster, resigned. The 
latter remained with the expectation that he could 
keep together '^ a Whig President, a Whig Congress, 
and a Whig people." The President's betrayal of his 
party "^vas loudly denounced all over the country, and 
the AVhig members of Congress at the close of the 
session held a meeting in which they resolved, " that 
all political connection between the President and the 
Whigs were at an end." 

The practice of "pairing votes" was first made 
common in the 27th Congress. Adams criticised it 
as a pernicious practice. 



160 THE PRESIDENTS ANX» THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

1842. 

March 21. Joshua R. Giddings was censured for 
introduciug some resolutions in the House relating to 
slavery in connection with the affair of the ' ' Creole." 
He resigned his seat, but was immediately reelected. 

April 19. The Seminole War which had been 
waged for seven years with variable fortunes in 33 
engagements, among the swamps and everglades of 
Florida, was now closed by the Battle of Pilaklikaha 
Big Hammock. The war cost the United States over 
$40,000,000. 

August 19. The northeast boundry between Can- 
ada and the United States was adjusted by Lord Ash- 
burton and Webster. 

1843. 

June 17. Webster delivered an oration at the ded- 
ication of Bunker Hill Monument. 

The ' •' Dorr Rebellion " this year in Rhode Island 
grew out of an attempt to abolish the old constitution 
(of Charles II.) which limited the right of suffrage 
to property owners. The "Law and Order" party 
and the ''Suffrage" party, each elected its own set 
of State officers. The latter elected Thomas W. Dorr 
governor, who undertook to hold the State arsenal, 
but after two efforts in this direction. Dorr was over- 
powered by the United States troops, arrested, tried 
for treason and condemned to imprisonment for life. 
He was pardoned in 1845. The "Law and Order" 
party yielded, and a short time afterwards, a new con- 
stitution was peaceably secured. 



JOHN TYLER. 161 



1844. 



February 28. Secretaries Upshur and Gilmer were 
killed by the bursting of a big gun on the steamer 
Princeton, while making a pleasure trip on the Poto- 
mac. Many others of the pleasure party were seri- 
ously injured. 

April 12. Secretary Calhoun made a treaty for 
the annexation of Texas, but it was rejected by the 
Senate. Texas had been settled by adventurers from 
the States, mainly, as it is believed, with a view to 
annexation and a more extended field for the spread 
of slavery. Its annexation was considered essential 
as *'a new make-w^eight in Mr. Calhoun's scheme of 
a perpetual balance of power between the free and 
the slave States." 

July 4. Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet, was 
shot by a mob while in jail at Nauvoo. 

During this year Professor Morse's invention of the 
electric telegraph was successfully tested on a wire of 
forty miles length between Washington and Balti- 
more. He had first asked an appropriation from Con- 
gress in 1838, but was steadily refused until the last 
day of the session of 1843, when it was voted to grant 
him $30,000 for the purposes of experiment. 

1845. 

March 2. The bill to annex Texas finally passed, 
and on the last day of Tyler's term, it received his 
signature. 

March 3. Iowa and Florida admitted as States. 
11 



162 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

VII. POLITICAL PARTIES. 

The hope of "Whig domination was frustrated by 
the death of Harrison and the defection of Tyler. 
The annexation of Texas was prepared with special 
reference to the election of 1844, and had two direct 
objects in view ; 1, To defeat the nomination of Van 
Buren in the Democratic Convention, he being at the 
time the popular choice of his party, and to open the 
door to Calhoun ; and 2, To defeat Clay before the 
people. The plan in its direct aims succeeded, but 
it failed to elevate Calhoun to the fulfillment of his 
life-long aspirations. For some reasons, Calhoun re- 
fused to submit his name to the Democratic Conven- 
tion, and in a political address to his friends, he pro- 
nounced the convention system, as then conducted, a 
hundred times worse than the caucus system which it 
had displaced. Three parties entered the field. 

1. The Liberty party met in National convention 
at Buffalo, Aug. 30, 1843, and designated James G. 
Birney and Thomas Morris, of Ohio, as the candidates. 
The party polled enough votes to hold the balance of 
power in Michigan and New York. The following 
avowal of principles was adopted : 

Resolved, That human brotherhood is a cardinal principle of true 
Democracy, as well as of pure Christianity, which spurns all inconsist- 
ent limitations ; and neither the political party which repudiates it, 
nor the political system which is not based upon it, can be truly Demo- 
cratic or permanent. 

Resolved, That the Liberty Party, placing itself upon this broad 
principle, will demand the absolute and unqualified divorce of the 
General Government from slavery, and also the restoration of equality 
of rights among men, in every State where the party exists, or may 
exist. 

Resolved, That the Liberty Party has not been organized for any 
temporary purpose by interested politicir.us, but has arisen from 
among the people in consequence of a conviction, hourly gaining 
ground, that no other party in the country represents the true princi- 
pies of American liberty, or the true spirit of the Constitution of the 
United States. 



JOHN TYLER. 163 

J^eeolved, That the Liberty Party has not been organized merely for 
the overthrow of slavery; its first decided effort must, indeed, be directed 
afraicst elaveholdiug aa the grosseRt and most revolting manifestation 
of despotism, but it ■will also carry out the principle of equal rights 
into all its practical consequences and applications, and support every 
just measure conducive to individual and social freedom, 

Resolved, That the Liberty Party is not a sectional party Dut a na- 
tional party ; was not originated in a desire to accomplish a single ob- 
ject, but in a comprehensive regard to the great interests of the whole 
country ; is not a new party, ncr a thjrd party, but is the party of 177G, 
reviving the principles of that memorablo era, and striving to carry 
them into practical application. 

lietolved. That it was understood in tho times of the Declaration and 
tho C'^nstitution, that the existence of slavery in some of tho States, 
was iu derogation of the principles of American Liberty, and a deep 
stain upon the character of the country, and the implied faith of the 
States and the Nation was pledged, that slavery fihould never be ex- 
tended bejond its then exinting limits, but should be gradually, and 
yet, at no distant day, wholly abolished by State authority. 

Resolved^ That the faith of the States and the Nation thus pledged, 
was most nobly redeemed by the voluntary abolition of slavery in sev- 
eral of tho States, and by the adoption of the Ordinance of 1787, for 
the government of the Territory north-west of tho river Ohio, then the 
only Territory in tho United States, and consequently the only Terri- 
tory subject in this respect to the control of Congress, by which ordi- 
nance slavery was forever excluded from the vast regions which now 
compose the State s of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and the Terri- 
tory of Wiscon-in, and an incapacity to bear up any other than free- 
men, was impressed on the soil itself. 

Resolved, That the faith of the States and Nation thus pledged, has 
been shamefully violated by the omission on tho part of many of the 
States, to talie any measures whatever for the abolition of slavery 
within their respective limits; by tho continuance of slavery in the 
District of Columbia, and in the Territories of Louisiana and Florida; 
by the legislation of Congress ; by the protection afforded by national 
legislation and negotiation to slavcholding in American vessels, on the 
high seas, employed in tho coastwise Slave Traffic ; and by tho exten- 
sion of slavery far beyond its original limits, by acts of Congress, ad- 
mitting new Slave States into the Union. 

Resolved, That the fundamental truths of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, that all men are endowed by their Creator with certain in- 
alienable rights, among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of hap- 
piness, was made the fundamental law of our National Government, by 
that amendment of the Constitution which declares that no person 
shall bo deprived cf life, liberty or i)roperty, without due process of 
law. 

Resolved, That we recognize as sound, the doctrine maintained by 
slavcholding jurists, that slavery is against natural rights, and strictly 
local, and that its existence and continuance rests on no other support 
than State legislation, and not on any authority of Congress. 

Resolved, That the General Government has, under tho Constitution* 
no power to establish or continue slavery anywhere, and tht reforo that 
all treaties and acts of Congress establishing, continuing or favoring 
slavery in the District of Columbia, in the Territory of I'lorida, or on 
the high sea?, are unconstitutional, and aU attempts to hold men as 
property within tho limits of exclusive national jurisdiction, ought to 
be prohibited by law. 

Resolved, That the provision of the Constitution of th* United States 
which confers extraordinary political powers on the owners of slaves, 
and thereby constituting the two hundred and fifty thousand slave- 



164 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 



holders in the Slave States a privileged aristocracy ; and the provision 
for the reclamation of fugitive slaves from service, are Anti-Kepublicau 
in their character, dangerous to the liberties of the people, and ought 
to be abrogated. 

Resolved, That the practical operation of the second of these provis- 
ions, is seen in the enactment of the act of Congress respecting per- 
sons escaping from their masters, which act, if the construction given 
to it by the Supreme Court of the United States in the case of i'rigg 
vs. Pennsylvania bo correct, nullifies the habeas corpus acts of all the 
States, takes away the whole legal security of personal freedom, and 
ought, therefore to be immediately repealed. 

Resolved, That the peculiar patronage and support hitherto es- 
tended to slavery and slaveholding, by the General Government, ousht 
to be immediately withdrawn, and the example and inHuence of Na- 
tional authority ought to be arrayed on the side of Liberty and Free 
Labor. 

Resolved, That the practice of the General Government, which pre- 
vails in the Slave States, of employing slaves upon the public works, 
instead of free laborers, and paying aristocratic masters, with a view 
to secure or reward political services, is utterly indefensible and ought 
to be abandoned. 

Resolved, That freedom of speech, and of the press, and the right of 
petition, and the right of trial by jury, are sacred and inviolable ; and 
that all rules, regulations and laws, in derogation of either are oppress- 
ive, unconstitutional, and not to be endured by free people. 

Resolved, That we regard voting, in an eminent degree, as a moral 
and religious dutj', which, when exercised, should bo by voting for 
those who will do all in their power for Immediate Emancipation. 

Eesohed, That this Convention recommend to the friends of Liberty 
in all those Free States where any inequality of rights and privileges 
exists on account of color, to employ their utmost energies to remove 
all such remnants and effects of the Slave system. 

Whereas, The Constitution of these United States !s a series of 
agreements, covenants or contracts between the people of the United 
States, each with all and all with each ; and. 

Whereas, It is a principle of universal morality, that the moral 
laws of the Creator are paramount to all human laws ; or in the lan- 
guage of an Apostle, that " we ought to obey God rather than men ; " 
and. 

Whereas, The principle of common law — that any contract, cove- 
nant, or agreement, to do an act derogatory to natural right, is 
vitiated and annulled by its inherent immorality— has been recognized 
by one of the justices of the Supremo Court of the United States, who 
in a recent case expressly holds that "any contract that rests upon 
such a basis is void; " and, 

WTiereas, The third clause of the second section of the fourth article 
of the Constitution of the United States, when construed as providing 
for the surrender of a Fugitive Slave, does " rest upon such a basis," in 
that it is a contract to rob a man of a natural right—namely, his 
natural right to his own liberty ; and is, therefore, absolutely void. 
Therefore, 

Resolved, That we hereby give it to be distinctly understood by this 
nation and the world, that, as abolitionists, considering that the 
strength of our cause lies in its righteousness, and our hope for it in 
our conformity to the laws of God, and our respect for the eights 
OF MAN, we owe it to the Sovereign Ruler of the universe, as a proof of 
our allegiance to Him, in all our civil relations and offices, whether as 
private citizens or public functionarioa sworn to support the Constitu- 



JOHN TYLER. 165 

tion of the United States, to regard and to treat the third clause of the 
fourth article of that instrument, whenever applied to the case of a fu- 
gitive slave, aa utterly null and void, and consequently as forming no 
part of the Constitution of the United States, whenever we are called 
upon or sworn to support it. 

Fesolved, That the power given to Congress by the Constitution, to 
provide for calling out tho militia to suppress insurrection, does not 
raako it tho duty of the Government to maintain Slavery by military 
force, much less does it make it the duty of tho citizens to form a part 
of such military force. When freemen unsheath the sword it should 
be to strike for Liberty, not for Despotism. 

Resolved, That to preserve the peace of the citizens, and secure the 
bles8ingi3 of freedom, tho Legislature of each of the Free States ought 
to keep in force suitablo statutes rendering it penal for any of its in- 
habitants to transport, or aid in transporting from such State, any 
person sought to bo thua transported, merely because subject to the 
slave laws of any other State ; this remnant of independence being ac- 
corded to tho Free States by the decision of the Supreme Court in the 
case of Prigg vs. the State of Pennsylvania. 

2. The Whig Party assembled in National Con- 
vention at Baltimore, May 1, 1844, and nominated 
Clay by acclamation, and Frelinghuysen, of New 
Jersey, on the third ballot. The ten thousands who 
were present went to their homes with the greatest 
enthusiasm and the utmost confidence, that Clay 
would at last be elected to the presidency The fol- 
lowing brief platform, expressive of the party prin- 
ciples, was adopted : 

Resolved, That these principles may be summed as compriaing a well 
regulated National currency— a tariif for revenue to defray the neces- 
sary expenses of tho Government, and discriminating with special 
reference to tho Protection of tho Domestic Labor of the country— the 
Distribution of the proceeds from the sales of tho Public Lands— a 
single term for the Presidency— a reform of executive usurpations— 
and generally such an administration of the affairs of tho country, as 
shall impart to every branch of the public service the greatest practical 
eCSciency, controlled by a well-regulated and wise economy. 

3. The Democratic National Convention con- 
vened at Baltimore, May 27, 1844, and nominated 
James K. Polk and Silas Wright for Standard 
bearers. Van Buren was the choice of a majority 
for presidential candidate, but the two-thirds rule 
being in force, the minority triumphed, and he was 
withdrawn after the 8th ballot. Mr. Wright declin- 



166 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

ing tlie nomination, George M. Dallas was subse- 
quently substituted. They re-affirmed the platform 
of 1840, with the following additions : 

10. Resolved, That the proceeds of the Public Lands ought to be 
facredly applied to the national objecta epecified in the Constitu- 
tion, and that wo are opposed to the laws lately adopted, and to any 
law for the Distribution of such proceeds among the States, aa alike 
inexpedient in policy and repugnant to the Constitution. 

11. Resolved, That we are decidedly opposed to taking from the 
President the qualified veto power by which he la enabled, tinder re- 
strictions and responsibilities amply sufficient to guard the public in- 
terest, to suspend the passage of a bill, whose merits cannot secure the 
approval of two-third3 of the Senate and House of Representatives, 
until the judgment of the people can be obtained thereon, and which 
has thrice saved the American People from the corrupt and tyranical 
domination of the Bank of the United States. 

12. Resolved, That our title to the whole of the Territory of Oregon 
is clear and unquestionable; that no portion of the same ought to be 
ceded to England or any other power ; and that the reoccupation of 
Oregon and the reannexation of Texas at the earliest practicable period 
are great American measures, which this Convention recommends to 
the cordial support of the Democracy of the Union. 

A combination of office-holders, which did not merit 
the name of a party, nominated Tyler for reelection. 
President Tyler accepted the compliment, but the 
movement lacking popular support, he withdrew from 
the canvass. Thus did the attempt of the administra- 
tion to form a Tyler party prove abortive, and the 
President was alike rejected politically by both the 
Whigs and the Democrats. 



YIII. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. 
A deficit of $14,000,000 was reported in the Trea- 
sury in 1843. The result of three measures: 1; 
The Compromise Tariff Act of 1833 ; 2, The distri- 
bution of surplus revenue in 1837; and 8, The sur- 
render of the land revenue to the States. 



JOHN TYLER, 



167 



Tear. 


Public Debt. 


Expenditures. 


Exports. 


Imports. 


1841 
1842 
1843 
1844 


$ 6,737,498 
15.028,486 
27,203,450 
24,748.188 


$31,787,.530 
32,936,876 
12,118,105 
33,642,010 


$121,851,803 

104,691,531 

84,346,480 

111,200,046 


§127,946,177 

100,152,087 

64,753,799 

108,435,035 



XI. OUTLINE OF CONCTTKEENT EVENTS. 

England : Attack on Canton abandoned and ran- 
som of $6,000,000 was paid by the Chinese, May 30, 
1841 ; Protestant Bishopric of Jerusalem (including 
Syiia, Chald^a, Egypt and Abysinia) was formed 
under the protectorate of Great Britian and Prussia 
and Rev. S. M. Alexander consecrated first Bishop, 
Nov. 7, 1841 ; Treaty of Nankin with China, Aug. 
29, 1842; Free Church Established in Scotland, May 
18, 1843; Independence of the Sandwich Islands 
guaranteed by England and France in treaty of Lon- 
don, Nov. 28, 1843 ; commercial panic 1843 ; Pur- 
chase of Danish India possessions, Feb. 22, 1845. 

Scandenavia : (Denmark and Sweden, independent 
Sovereignties, with Norway foot ball between them — 
Norway declared her independence May 17, 1814 and 
elected Christian Frederick King, but was forcibly 
annexed to Sweden, guaranteed a free constitutional 
government, and elected the King of Sweden Viceroy 
with power of veto ; Titles of Nobility abolished and 
vetoed 1815, passed and vetoed again in 1818, and 
became law by thu'd passage in 1821.) Death of 
Charles John XIV., King of Sweden, and accession 
of Oscar (son), March 8, 1844. 



CHAPTER X. 
THE ADMIMSTRATION OF JAMES K. POLK. 

Democratic. One Term, 1845 to 1849. 



I. CABINET. 

PRESIDENT. 

1845. James K. Polk, Tennessee* 

VICE PRESIDENT. 

1845. George M. Dallas, Pennsylvania. 

SECBETARY OF STATE. 

1845. James Buchnanan, Pennsylvania. 

SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY. 

1845. Robert J. Walker, Mississippi. 

SECRETARY OF WAR. 

1845. William L. Marcy, New York. 

SECRETARIES OF THE NAVY. 

1845. George Bancroft, Massachusetts. 

1846. John Y. Mason, Virginia. 

POSTMASTER GENERAL. 

1845. Cave Johnson, Tennessee. 

ATTORNEYS GENERAL. 

1845. John Y. Mason, Virginia. 

1846. Nathan Clifford, Maine. 
1848. Isaac Toucey, Connecticut. 



II. SENATOR ELECTED PRESIDENT PEG 
TEMPORE OF THE SENATE. 
1846. David R. Atchinson, Missouri. 



JAMES K. POLK. 169 

III. SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- 
TATIVES. 

XXIX. Congress, John "VY. Davis, Indiana. 

XXX. " Kobert C. Winthrop, Massachu- 

setts. 
Armisted Burt, South Carolina. 



IV. THE FIFTEENTH ELECTION. 

Popular vote: For President, James K. Polk, 
1,337,243 ; Henry Clay, 1,299,062 ; James G. Bir- 
ney, 62,300. 

Electoral vote : For President, Polk, 170 ; Clay, 
105. For Vice President, George M. Dallas, 170; 
Theodore Frelinghuysen, New Jersey, 105. Total, 
275. Twenty-six States voted. 



V. HISTORICAL RECORD. 
1845. 

March 4. The President in his inaugural address 
committed himself to the policy of Tyler with refer- 
ence to Texas, when he said, ''It is confidently be- 
lieved that our system of annexation may be safely 
extended to the utmost bounds of our territorial lim- 
its ; and that, as it shall be extended, the bonds of 
our Union, so far from being weakened, will become 
stronger." 

June 4. Mexico declared war against the United 
States. The direct cause was the annexation of Texas, 
while in a state of revolt. It was an efibrt to lengthen 
the. Southern lever and increase the slave power. 



170 THE PRESIDENTS AND- THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

Mr. Benton subsequently, in a speech before the Sen- 
ate and in the hearing of Calhoun, charged him -with 
])eing the author of the war. The Whigs opposed 
the Mexican war, as long as there was any hope of 
averting it, on the ground that the declaration of war 
by the President contained a false statement of the 
origin of the difficulties. In the documents of the 
President it was repeatedly asserted that Mexico had 
begun the war by invading our territory and shedding 
the blood of our citizens on our own soil. 

July 4. The Legislature of Texas accejDted the 
conditions of annexation. 

December 27. Texas, the tTwenty-eighth State, 
admitted to the Union. 

1846. 

January 13. Gen. Taylor was ordered to advance 
to the Eio Grande. Texas having been annexed, it 
became a duty to defend her from foreign aggressions. 

February 3. Brigham Young was elected " Seer" 
on the assassination of Jos. Smith. Being persecuted 
by their neighbors, the Mormons set out from Nauvoo 
for Utah on an Exodus of a thousand miles. 

April 26. A band of Mexicans crossed the Rio 
Grande, surprised a small body of dragoons, and 
either killed or captured the entire number. This 
was the beginning of bloodshed. 

May 11. Mexico considered the occupation of 
Texas by a United States army, an invasion of Mex- 
ican territory. The United States regarded Texas as 
a part of the Union to be protected and defended. 
Accordingly, when it was announced at Washington, 



JAMES K. POLK. 171 

that blood had been shed upon American soil, the 
most intense excitement was produced. Congress im- 
mediately declared war and voted to raise an army 
of 80,000 volunteers and appropriated $10,000,000 
for its equipment. It was confidently believed, that 
the war would be over in 90 or 120 days. An intrigue 
was secretly begun the same day with Santa Anna, 
who was then an exile in Havanna, for the purchase 
of peace and the annexation of Texas. In further- 
ance of this plan, he was permitted to return to Mex- 
ico through our lines, and it was understood he should 
receive $2,000,000 with which to secure this result. 
But strange to relate, Santa Anna was no sooner 
safely within the Mexican Capitol, and holding once 
more the reins of power firmly in his grasp, than he 
became the fiercest spirit for war, the ablest leader in 
conducting it, and almost the sole obstacle to its speedy 
termination. 

The plan of operations for the conduct of the war 
at the outset, consisted in occupying the disputed ter- 
ritory, but at the close of the year this was aban- 
doned, and a more active policy substituted. It was 
then determined to send Gen. Scott with nine regi- 
ments for the capture of Mexico itself. This new 
plan proved very efiective. The "Army of Occu- 
pation," commanded by Gen. Taylor, continued its 
operations along the Rio Grande, and completely pro- 
tected the annexed territory; the ''Army of the 
West," led by Gen. Kearney, pushed its way unob- 
structed into New Mexico and California ; while the 
" Army of the Centre," under Gen. Scott marched 
triumphantly from Vera Cruz to Chapultepec. Thus 



172 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

in a series of brilliant and uninterrupted victories was 
achieved the peace and annexation, which intrigue 
and money had failed to purchase. 

June 12. A treaty was formed with' Great Brit- 
ain, fixing the northwestern boundry of Oregon at 
49°, and stipulating to both parties the free naviga- 
tion of the Columbia Eiver. Considerable trouble 
had been occasioned by the joint occupancy of Oregon, 
and the British claim to right of territory. By the 
convention of 1818, the joint occupancy was limited 
to 10 years, and in 1828, it was extended indefinitely 
until notice of termination should be given. Our 
right to the territory rested upon : 1st, The discovery 
of the Columbia by Capt. Gray ; 2d, The purchase 
of Louisiana in 1803 ; 3rd, The complete exploration 
of the Columbia by Clark and Lewis in 1805 ; 4th, 
The settlement at Astoria in 1811 ; and 5th, The 
Spanish treaty of 1819-21. Thus our claim, based 
on priority of discovery, reinforced by the French 
and Spanish cessions, was admitted, and all farther 
dispute amicably settled. 

July 5, Capt. Fremont declared the independence 
of California. 

August 10. An ineffectual attempt was made to 
pass the Wilmot proviso for the prohibition of slavery 
from all territory to be acquired from Mexico. 

August 26. New Mexico was taken by Gen. 
Kearney without a single blow, the Spanish officials 
having been bribed to make only a show of resistance. 
In January of the following year, the Mexicans at- 
tempted to retake New Mexico, but accomplished 



JAMES K. POLK. 1Y3 

nothing beyond the massacre of some American resi- 
dents. 

December 28. Iowa, the 29th State was admitted. 

1847. 

August 12i The bill to organize Oregon as a ter- 
ritory with the prohibition of slavery was finally 
passed. 

1848. 

February. During this month, gold was acciden- 
tally discovered in a mill race in California. The 
news spread like wild fire, and adventurers rushed 
thither from all parts of the world. 

February 2. Santa Anna having been expelled, 
the republican party in Mexico readily consented to 
make peace. A treaty was formed at Guadalupe 
Hidalgo between the Mexican Congress and Ameri- 
can Commissioners, by which, the independence of 
Texas — running its western boundary along the lower 
Rio Grande del Norte from El Paso to its mouth — 
and the cession of New Mexico and Upper California, 
were stipulated. For this exchange the United States 
agreed to pay $15,000,000 to Mexico, and assume 
claims in the sum of $3,500,000 due from Mexico to 
certain citizens of the United States. 

February 23. John Quincy Adams being stricken 
with paralysis, expired February 23, while in the 
House of Representatives. ' ' This is the last of earth, 
I am content" — his dying words. 

May 29. Wisconsin, the thirtieth State, admitted. 

July 4. President Polk proclaimed peace, the 
Mexican treaty having been ratified by Congress. L 



174 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

An offer of a $100,000,000 for the Island of Cuba, 
which President Polk directed our minister at Spain 
to make, was rejected. 

1849. 
March 3. The Department of the Interior was 
created. This administration was an active one. It 
was characterized by a split in the Democratic ranks. 
"The Globe," the old administration paper, became 
obnoxious to Calhoun, and a plan for supplanting it 
was instituted. It is supposed that Polk, for aiding 
this change, received the electoral vote of South Car- 
olina. The $50,000, with which the " Daily Union" 
was started, came, it has been ascertained, by a cir- 
cuitous route from the U, S. Treasury, The Presi- 
dent also widened a political breach between the friends 
of Gov. Wright (by whose aid he carried the State 
of New York) and William L. Marcy. 



VI. BATTLES OF THE MEXICAN WAK. 
1846. 

May 3. Fort Brown, on the Kio Grande, was bom- 
barded from Metamoras, on the opposite side, during 
160 hours, v/hen it was relieved by Gen. Taylor. 
Major Brown, in command of the post, was mortally 
wounded. 

May 8. Palo Alto. The Mexicans, 6,000 strong, 
under Gen. Arista, were worsted by Gen. Taylor with 
2,000 men in a five hours contest* Am. loss, 53 
killed and wounded ; Mexican, about 600. 

May 9. Resaca de la Palma, Gen. Taylor again 



JAMES K. rOLK. 175 

defeated Gen. Arista in a shorter but more sanguin- 
ary battle. Am. loss, 110 killed and wounded; 
Mexican, 1,000 killed and wounded, and 100 taken 
prisoners. 

September 21. Monterey. Taylor, with 6^000 
men began the siege of this town, which was defended 
by Gen. Ampudia, with 9,000 Mexicans, and took 
the entire garrison on the 24th. Am. loss, 561 killed 
and wounded; Mexican, 1,000 killed and wounded, 
the balance taken prisoners. 

December 25. Bracito. Col. Doniphan, at the 
head of a thousand Missouri men, in his remarkable 
march through the enemy's country of a thousand 
miles, celebrated Christmas by crossing this river in 
the face of a superior force. 

1847. 

January 8, San Gabriel ; January 9, The Mesa ; 
January 23, Encarnacion ; and January 24, Canada. 

February 22, 23. Buena Vista. Taylor, with 
5,000 men, had a fierce conflict with Santa Anna at 
the head of 20,000 men at this place, near the Luis 
Potosi. The Mexicans retreated, leaving over 500 
dead on the field of battle, and losing about 2,000 
men besides. Am. loss, 23 missing, 456 wounded, 
and 267 killed. 

February 28. The Pass of Sacramento. Col. 
Doniphan took possession of Chihuahua, and contin- 
ued his march until he reinforced Gen. Taylor in the 
month of May. 

March 9. Vera Cruz. Gen. Scott landed at Vera 
Cruz with 13,000 men, and with the aid of Com. 



176 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

Conner, commenced the investment of the city. He 
opened a brisk cannonade June 18, which was contin- 
ued until the 27th, when the garrison capitulated; 
5,000 were taken prisoners with 500 pieces of artillery. 

April 2. Alvarado. 

April 18. Cerro Gordo. Scott on his way to the 
Capitol with 8,500 men encountered 15,000 men under 
Santa Anna at this difficult mountain pass, but gained 
the position in a hot and short action. Am. loss, 431 
killed and wounded; Mexican, 1,000 killed, 3,000 
prisoners, 43 pieces of cannon, 5,000 stand of arms, 
and all their munitions of war. 

April 18. Tuspan surrendered. 

August 20. ContreraSi Scott, in his victorious 
march to the Capitol made an impetuous night attack 
upon the strongly fortified camp held by 6,000 men 
under Gen. Valencia, and carried it in a 17 minute 
action, capturing 3,0C0 men, 80 officers and 35 pieces 
of cannon. 

August 20. San Antonio captured by Gen. Worth. 
' August 20. Cherubusco, (four miles northeast of 
Contreras, near Mexico.) Santa Anna ineffectually 
endeavored to relieve Cherubusco with his army of 
12,000 men, but was compelled by Scott, to fall back 
on the city. Gen's. AYorth, Pillow and Twiggs, each 
capturing one of the defenses of these heights, the 
enemy sent a flag of truce and was granted a three 
days' armistice preparatory to peace, but the time was 
treacherously used for warlike preparations. 

September 8. El Molino del Key (the King's 
Mills), Scott here engaged the entire Mexican Army 
close to the city and at first was repulsed, but shortJy 



JAMES K. rOLK. 1Y7 

afterwards renewing the conflict gained the day. A 
brilliant achievement, 14,000 Mexicans driven from 
their fortifications by 4,000 Americans! The Mexi- 
cans left a thousand dead on the field. Am. loss, 800 
killed and wounded. 

September 12-14. Chapultepec (a fortress on a 
rocky eminence 150 feet high and the location of the 
Mexican Military School.) Gen. Scott, on the 12th, 
directed a heavy bombardment against the last citadel 
and only hope of Mexico, and carried it by a furious 
and deadly assault on the 13th, and the next morning 
at 7 o'clock the stars and stripes waved proudly from 
tlie National Palace of Mexico. 

September 15 — October 13. Siege of Puebla foi 
28 days. At this place in the mountain fastnesses 
of the Cordilleras, Col. Childs had been left in charge 
of our invalids and wounded. Here Santa Anna, as 
he fled with the remnant of the Mexican army, sud- 
denly appeared and- undertook its capture. Fortu- 
nately Gen. Lane, who was proceeding v/ith reinforce- 
ments for Gen. Scott, having met and defeated Santa 
Anna at Huamantla, Oct. 9th, advanced just in time 
to relieve Col. Childs on the 13th. 

October 18. Atlixco. A skirmish at this place 
closed the Mexican war,* and Santa Anna fled a hope- 
less fuo-itive towards the Gulf coast. 



-Duration of hostilities from the defense of Fort Brown to Atlixco, 
one year, five months, and fifteen days ; from first bloodshed to treaty 
of peace, one year, nine months and four days. It was determined at 
the outset to adopt the Fabian policy, and General Taylor was 6ent to 
Texas with an "army of occupation ;" but when it was remembered 
that the Spaniards could beat the world on "masterly inactivity," (as 
had been shown in wars with the Moors), the plan was modified, and 
General Scott was sent to storm tho walls of Mexico and capture peace 
and autexation. 

12 



178 THE TRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

VII. POLITICAL PAHTIES. 

Ill the election of 1848, three parties contended for 
the honor and advantage of giving a president to the 
United States. 

1 . The Democratic party met at Baltimore, May 
22, 1848. As New York sent two delegations, 
("Barnburners" for Van Buren, and "Hunkers" 
for Dickinson), the convention decided to admit both 
factions, but this plan satisfied neither, and both re- 
fused to participate in the deliberations. The con- 
vention then organized, confirmed the two-thirds 
rule, and nominated Gen. Cass, on the fourth ballot, 
for President, and Gen. Butler unanimously on the 
third for Vice President. They adopted the follow- 
ing platform : 

1. Besolved, That the American Democracy place their trust in the 
intelligence, the patriotism, and the discriminating justice of the 
American people. 

2. ResoU-ed, That we regard this as a distinctive feature of cur 
political creed, which wo aro proud to maintain before the world, as 
the great moral element in a form of government springing from and 
upheld by the popular will; and we contrast it with the creed and 
practice of federalism, under whatever name or form, which seeks to 
palsy the will of the constituent, and which conceives no imposture 
too monstrous for the popular credulity. 

3. Resolved, Therefore, that, entertaining these views, the Demo- 
cratic party of this Union, through the delegates assembled in general 
convention of the States, coming together in a spirit of concord, of 
devotion to the doctrines and faith of a free representative government, 
and appealing to their fellow-citizens for the rectitude of theii' inten- 
tions, lenew and reassert before the American people, the declaration 
of principles avowed by them, on a former occasion, when in general 
convention, they presented their candidates for the popular sufl'rago. 

Resolutions 1, 2, 3 and 4, on page 153, were re- 
aflirmed. 

8. Resolved, That it is the duty of every branch of the government 
to enforce and practice the most rigid economy in conducting our 
public affairs, and that no more revenue ought to be raised than is re- 
quired to defray the necessary expenses of the government, and for the 
gradual but certain extinction of the debt created by the prosecution 
of a just and necessary war, after peaceful relations shall have been 
restored. 



JAMES K. POLK. 179 

The 5th, on page 153, was enlarged by the follow- 
ing addition : 

And tLat tLe reaults of Democratic LegiBlAtion, in this and all 
other finanicial measurea upon which iBBues have been made between 
the two political parties of the country, have demonstrated to candid 
and practical men of all parties, their Boundness, safety and utility in 
all business pursuits. 

Also resolutions 7, 8 and 0, on page 153, were 
here inserted. 

1.3. Ee$ohed^ That the proceeds of the Public Lands ought to ba 
eacredly applied to the National objects specified in the Uonstitution ; 
and that we are opposed to any law for the distribution of such pro- 
ceeds among the States as alike inexpedient in policy and repugnant to 
the Constitution. 

14. Kesohed, That we are decidedly opposed to taking from the Presi- 
dent the qualified veto power, by which he is enabled, under restric- 
tions and responsibilites amply sufficient to iruard the public Interests, 
to Kuspend the passage of a bill whose merits cannot secure the ap- 
proval of two-thirds of the Senate and Uouse of Eepresentatives until 
the judgment of the people can be obtained thereon, and which has 
saved the American people from the corrupt and tyranical domination 
of the Bank of the United States, and from a corrupting system of 
general internal improvements. 

15. lieiohed, That the war with Mexico, provoked on her part, by 
years of insult and injury, was commenced by her army crossing the 
liio Grande, attacking the Amf-rican troops and Invading our sister 
State of Texas, and that upon all the principles of patriotism and the 
Laws of Nations, it is a just and necessary war on our part, in which 
every American citizen should have shown himself on the side of his 
Country, and neither morally nor physically, by word or by deed, have 
given " aid and comfort to the enemy."' 

16. liesohed. That we would be rejoiced at the asBurances of a peace 
with Mexico, founded on the just principles of indemnity for the past 
and security for the future ; but that while the ratification of the lib- 
eral treaty offered to Mexico remains in doubt, it is the duty of the 
country to sustain the administration and to sustain the country in 
every measure necessary to provide for the Tigorous prosecution of the 
war, should that treaty be rejected. 

17. Betohed, That the officers and soldiers who have carried the 
arms of their country into Mexico, have crowned it with imperishable 
glory. Their unconquerable courage, their daring enterprize, their 
unfaltering perseverance and fortitude when assailed on all sides by 
innumerable foes and that more formidable enemy— the diseases of the 
climate— exalt their devoted patriotism into the highest herosim, and 
give them a right to the profound gratitude of their country, and the 
admiration of the world. 

18. RenrAved, That the Democratic National Convention of thirty 
States composing the American Republic tender their fraternal con- 
gratulations to the National Convention of the Kepublic of France, 
now assembled as the free-suffrage Eepresentative of the Sovereignty 
of thirty-five millions of Republicans to establish government on 
those eternal principles of equal rights for which their Lafayette and 
our Washington fought side by side in the struggle for our National 
Independence; and we would especially convey tj them and to th» 



1»U THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 



whole people of France, our earnest wishes for the consolidation of 
their liberties, through the wisdom that shall guide their councils, on 
the basis of a Democratic Constitution, not derived from the grants or 
concessions of kings or dynasties, but originating from the only trno 
Bource of political power recognized in the States of this Union ; the 
inherent and inalienable right of the people, in their sovereign ca- 
pacity, to make and to amend their forms of government in such man- 
ner as the welfare of the community may require. 

19. Resolved, That the recent development of this grand political 
truth, of the sovereignty of the people and their capacity and power 
for self-government, which is prostrating thrones and erecting Repub- 
lics on the ruins of despotism in the old world, we feel that a high and 
Bacred duty is devolved, with increased responsibility, upon the Demo- 
cratic party of this country, as the party of the people, to sustain and 
advance among us Constitutional Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, 
by continuing to resist all monopolies and exclusive legislation for the 
benefit of the few at the expense of the many, and by a vigilant and 
constant adherence to those principles and compromises of the Consti- 
tution which are broad enough and strong enough to embrace and up- 
hold the Union as it was, the Union as it is, and the Union as it shall 
bo in the full expansion of the energies and capacity of this great and 
progressive people. 

20. Eesolved, That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded through 
the American Minister at Paris, to the National Convention of the Re- 
public of France. 

21. ResoU-ed^ That the fruits of the great political triumph of 18i4, 
which elected James K. Polk and George M. Dallas President and Vice 
President of the United States, have fulfilled the hopes of the Democ- 
racy of the Union in defeating the declared purposes of their opponents 
in creating a National Bank, in preventing the corrupt and unconsti- 
tutional distribution of the Land Proceeds from the common treasury 
of the Union for local purposes, in protecting the Currency and Labor 
of the country from ruinous fluctuations; and guarding the money of 
the country for the use of the people by the establishment of the Consti- 
tutional treasury ; in the noble impulse given to the cause of Free 
Trade by the repeal of the traiff of '42, and the creation of the more 
equal, honest and productive tariff of 1846; and that, in our opinion, 
it would be a fatal error to weaken the bands of a political organiza- 
tion by which these great reforms have been achieved, and risk them 
in the hands of their known adversaries, with whatever delusive ap- 
peals they may solicit our surrender of that vigilance which is the only 
safeguard of liberty. 

22. Eesolved, That the confidence of the Democracy of the Union, in 
the principles, capacity, firmness and integrity of James K. Polk, 
manifested by his nomination and election in 1844, has been signally 
justified by the strictness of his adherence to sound Democratic doc- 
trines, by the purity of purpose, the energy and ability which have 
characterized his administration in all our afi'aira at home and abroad ; 
that we tender to him our cordial congratulations upon the brilliant 
success which has hitherto crowned his patriotic efforts, and assure 
him in advance, that at the expiration of his presidential term, he will 
carry with him to his retirement, the esteem, respect, and admiration 
of a grateful country. 

23. Resolved, That this Convention hereby present to the people of 
the United States, Lewis Cass, of Michigan, as the candidate of the 
Democratic party for the office of President, and William 0. Butier, of 
Kentucky, for Vice President of the United States. 

2. The Whisj National Convention was held at 



JAMES K. POLK. 181 

Philadelphia, June 7, 1848, and nominated on the 4th 
ballot, Gen. Zachary Taylor, and on the 2d, Millard 
Fillmore as its candidates. The motion to proceed 
to ballot for candidates for president and Yice president 
was amended as follows, by Lewis D. Campbell, of 
Ohio, but the amendment did not prevail : 

J\esoIvecl, That no candidate shall be entitled to receive the nomina- 
tion of this convention for president or vice president, unless he has 
given assurances that ho will abide by and support tho nomination ; 
that if nominated he will accept the nomination ; that he will consider 
himself tho candidate of the Whigs, and use all proper influence to 
bring into practical operation the principles and measures of the Whig 
Party. 

Mr. Fuller, of New York, then offered the follow- 
ing resolution, which was likewise tabled : 

Hesolved, That as the first duty of representatives of the Whig 
Party is to preserve the principles and integrity of tho party, the 
claims of no candidate can be considered by this convention unless 
such candidate stands pledged to support, in good faith, the nomi- 
nees, and to be the exponent of Whig Principles. 

The Convention then proceeded to ballot for Presi- 
dent. After Gen. Taylor's selection Charles Allen, 
of Massachusetts, moved the following resolution, 
which the President (John M. Morehead, of N. C.) 
immediately declared out of order : 

H^esolvecl, That the Whig Party, through its representatives, here, 
agrees to abide by tho nomination of Gen. Zachary Taylor, on condi- 
tion that he will accept tho nomination as the candidate of tho Whig 
Party, and adhere to its great fundamental principles— no extension of 
elave territory by conquest— protection to American industry, and op- 
position to executive usurpation. 

When the Covention had nominated the Vice Presi- 
dent, the following motion was made by Mr. McCul- 
lough, of New Jersey, which was also ruled out of 
order : 

Resohed, That Gen. Zachary Taylor, of Louisiana, and Millard Fill- 
more, of New York, be, and they are hereby unanimously nominated 
as the Whig candidates for President and Vice President of the United 
States. 

]Mr. R. D. Tilden, of Ohio, in moving a resolution 



182 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

added that something like it would be necessary to 
secure the vote of Ohio for the candidates, and his 
motion, too, like all others affirming Whig or Anti* 
Slavery principles, was ruled out of order without 
debate : 

Eesoh-e'J, That wbilo all power is denied to dongrees, under tlie 
Constitutiou, to control, or in any way interfere witlTtLe JcstitutJon 
of Slavery within the several States of this Union, it nevertheless has 
the power and it is the duty of Congress to prohibit the introduction 
or existence of slavery in any territory now possessed, or which may 
hereafter be acquired by the United States. 

Thus the Convention was unable to adopt a plat- 
form, but at a Ratification Meeting in Philadelphia, 
June 0, the following declaration of Whig policy 
and principle — reported by W. S. Price, of Penn- 
sylvania — was adopted : 

1. Resolved, That the Whigs of the UnUed States,' bore assembled 
by their representatives, heartily ratify the nominations of General 
Zachary Taylor as President, and Millard Fillmore as Vice President 
of the United States, and pledge themselves to their support. 

2. Resolved, That in the choice of Gen. Taylor as the Whig candi- 
date for President we are glad to discover sympathy with a great pop- 
ular sentiment throughout the nation— a sentiment which, having its 
origin in admiration of great military success, has been strengthened 
by the development, in every action and every word, of sound conserv- 
ative opinions, and of true fidelity to the great example of former days, 
and to the principles of the Constitution as administered by its found- 
ers. 

3. Resolved, That Gen. Taylor, in saying that, had he voted in 1844, 
he would have voted the Whig ticket, gives us the assurance— and no 
better is needed from a consistent and truth-speaking man — that hia 
heart Avas with us at the crisis of our political destiny, when Henry 
Clay was our candidate, and when not only Whig principles were well 
defined and clearly asserted, but Whig measures depended on success. 
The heart that was with us then is with us now, and we have a soldier's 
word of honor, and a life of public and private virtue, as the security. 

4. Resolved, That we look on Gen. Taylor's administration of the 
Government as one conducive of Peace, Prosperity and Union. Of 
Peace — because no one better knows, or has greater reason to deplore, 
what he has seen sadly on the field of victory, the horrors of war, and 
especially of a foreign and aggressive war. Of Prosperity— now mora 
than ever needed to relieve the nation from a burden of debt, and re- 
store industry — agricultural manufacturing and commercial — to its ac- 
customed and peaceful functions and influences. Of Union — because 
we have a candidate whose very position as a Southwestern man, reared 
on the banks of the great stream whose tributaries, natural and artifi- 
cial, embrace the whole Union, renders the protection of the interests 
of the whole country his first trust, and whoso varied duties in past 
life Lave been rendered, not on the eoil, or under the flag cf any State 



JAMES K. POLK. 183 

or section, but over the wide frontier, and under the broad banner of 
the Nation. 

5. Resolved, That standing, as the Whig Party does, on the broad 
and firm platform of the Constitution, braced up by all its inviolable 
and sacred guarantees and compromises, and cherished in the affections 
because protective of tho interests of the people, wo are proud to have 
as the exponent of our opinions, one who is pledged to construe it by 
tho wise and generous rules which Washington applied to it, and who 
has eaid, (and no Whig desires any other assurance) that he will make 
Washington's administration tho model of his own. 

6. Resolved, That as Whigs and Americans, we are proud to ac- 
knowledge our gratitude for the great military services which, begin- 
ning at Palo Alto, and ending at Buena Vista, first awakened tho 
American people to a just estimate of him who is now our Whig candi- 
date. In tho discharge of a painful duty— for bis march into the 
enemy's country was a reluctant one; in the command of regulars at 
one time, and volunteers at another, and of both combined ; in the de- 
cisive though punctual discipline of his camp, where all respected and 
beloved him ; in the negotiation of terms for a dejected and desperate 
enemy ; in the exigency of actual conflict, when the balance was peril- 
ously doubtful — we have found him the same — brave distinguished and 
considerate, no heartless spectator of bloodshed, no trifler with human 
life or human happiness ; and we do not know which to admire most, 
his heroism in withstanding the assaults of the enemy in the most 
hopeless fields of Buena Vista— mourning in generous sorrow over the 
graves of Ringgold, of Clay or of Hardin— or in giving in the heat of bat- 
tle terms of merciful capitulation to a vanquished foe at Monterey, and 
not being ashamed to avow that ho did it to epare women and children, 
helpless infancy, and more helplebs age, against whom no American 
soldier ever wars. Such a military man, whose triumphs are neither 
remote nor doubtful, whose virtues these trials have tested, we are 
proud to make our Candidate. 

7. Resolved, That in support of this nomination we ask our Whig 
friends throughout the nation to unite, to co-operate zealously, reso- 
lutely, with earnestness in behalf of our Candidate, whom calumny 
cannot reach, and with respectful demeanor to our adversaries, whose 
Candidates have yet to prove their claims on the gratitude of the 
Nation. 

3. The ''Barnburners" would not accept the de- 
cision of the convention — it became acceptable to the 
" Hunkers" — and so they held a convention of their 
own at Utica, June 22d, and nominated Martin Van 
Buren and Gen. Henry Dodge, of Wisconsin, as their 
candidates. Gen; Dodge subsequently declined the 
honor. A more general convention, in which seven- 
teen States and the District were represented, con- 
vened at Buffalo, August 9th, and confirming the 
selection of Martin Van Buren, substituted Charles 
Francis Adams for the position vacated by Gen. 



184 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

Dodge. This free Democratic party received the 
name of the "Free Soil Party," on account of the 
last plank in their platform. At this stage the " Lib- 
erty Party " although it had already put candidates 
into the field — John P, Hale of N. H., Leicester 
King of Ohio — withdrew from the canvas and gave 
their hearty co-operation to the '' Free Soil Party/' 
The foUowiug, called the "Bufialo/' Platform was 
adopted : 

Whereas, We have assembled in Convention, as a Union of freemen, 
for the sake of freedom, forgetting all past political difference in a 
common resolve to maintain the rights of free labor against the ag- 
gression of the Slave Power, and to secure free soil to a free people ; 
and, 

Jl'Tiereas, The political Conventions recently assembled at Baltimore 
and Philadelphia, the ono stifling the voice of a great constituency, en- 
titled to be heard in its deliberations, and the other abandoning its 
distinctive principles for mere availability, have dissolved the National 
party organization heretofore existing, by nominating for the chief 
magistracy of the United States, under the slaveholding diction, can- 
didates, neither of whom can be supported by the opponents of Slavery 
Extension without a sacrifice of consistency, duty and self-respect ; 
and, 

Whereas, These nominations so made, furnish the occasion and 
demonstrate the necessity of the union of the people under the banner 
of Free Democracy, in a solemn and formal declaration of their inde- 
pendence of the slave power, and of their fixed determination to rescue 
the Federal Government from its control, 

Resolved, therefore. That we, the people here assembled, remember- 
ing the example of our fathers, in the days of the first Declaration of 
Independence, putting our trust in God for the triuniph of our cause, 
and invoking his guidance in our endeavors to advance it, do now plant 
ourselves upon tho National platform of Freedom in opposition to the 
sectional platform of Slavery. 

Resolved, That Slavery in the several States of this Union which 
recocrnize its existence, depends upon State laws alone, which cannot 
bo repealed or modified by the Federal Government, and for which 
laws that government is not responsible. We therefore propose no in- 
terference by Congress with Slavery within the limits of any State. 

Resolved, That the Proviso of Jefferson, to prohibit the existence of 
Slavery after 1800, in all the Territories of the United States, Southern 
and Northern ; the votes of six States and sixteen delegates, in the 
Congress of 178i, for the Proviso, to three States and seven delegates 
against it ; the actual exclusion of Slavery from the Northwestern Ter- 
ritory, by the Ordinance of 1787, unanimously adopted by the States 
in Congress ; and the entire history of that period, clearly shows that 
it was the settled policy of the Nation not to extend, nationalize or 
encourage, but to limit, localize and discourage Slavery ; and to this 
policy, which should never have been departed from, the Government 
ought to return. 



JAMES K. rOLK. 185 



Resolved, That our fathers ordained tho Constitution of the United 
States, in order, among other great national objects, to establish jus- 
tice, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty ; 
but expressly denied to the Federal Government, which they created, 
all constitutional power to deprive any person of life liberty or prop- 
erty, without due legal process. 

Resolved, That in the judgment of this Convention, Congress has no 
more power to make a Slave than to make a King : no more power to 
institute or establish Slavery than to institute or establish a Monarchy : 
no such power can be found among those specifically conferred by the 
Constitution, or derived by just implication from them. 

Re-olved, That it is the duty of the Federal Government to relieve 
itself from all responsibility for the existence or continuance of slavery 
wherever the government possesses constitutional authority to legis- 
late on that subject, and it is thus responsible for its existence. 

Resolved, That tho true, and in the judgment of this Convention, 
the only safe means of preventing the extension of Sla^ry into Terri- 
tory now Free, is to prohibit its extension in all such Territory by au 
act of Congress. 

Resolved, That we accept the issue which the slave power has forced 
upon us ; and to their demand for more Slave States, and more slave 
Territory, our calm but final answer is, no more Slave States and no 
more Slave Territory. Let the soil of our extensive domains be kept 
free for the hardy pioneers of our own land, and the oppressed and 
banished of other lands, seeking homes of comfort and fields of enter- 
prise in the new world. 

Resolved, That the bill lately reported hy the committee of eight in 
the Senate of the United States, was no compromise, but an absolute 
surrender of the rights of the Non-Slaveholdera of all tho States ; and 
while we rejoice to know that a measure which, while opening the door 
for the introduction of Slavery into Territories now free, would also 
have opened the door to litigation and strife among the future inhabit- 
ants thereof, to the ruin of their peace and prosperity, was defeated in 
the House of Representatives, its passage, in hot haste, by a majority, 
embracing several Senators who voted in open violation of the known 
will of their constituents, should warn the people to see to it, that their 
representatives be not euEfered to betray them. There must be no 
more Compromise with Slavery ; if made they must bo repealed. 

Resolved, That we demand freedom and established institutions for 
our brethren in Oregon, now exposed to hardships, peril and massacre 
by the reckless hostility of the Slave Power to the establishment of 
Free Government and Free Territories ; and not only for them, but for 
our new brethren iu California and New Mexico. 

Resolved, It is due not only to this occasion, but to the whole people 
of the United States, that we should also declare ourselves on certain 
other questions of National Policy ; therefore, 

Resolved, That we demand Cheap Postage for the people ; a retrench- 
ment of the expenses and patronage of the Federal Government ; the 
abolition of all unnecessary offices and salaries ; and the election by 
the people of all civil officers in the service of the government, so far as 
the same may be practicable. 

Resolved, That Eiver and Harbor improvements, when demanded by 
the safety and convenience of commerce with foreign nations, or among 
the several States, are objects of national concern, and that it is the 
duty of Congress, in the exercise of its constitutional power, to pro- 
vide therefor. 

Resolved, That the free grant to actual settlers, in consideration of 
the expenses they incur in making settlements in the wilderness, which 
are usually fully equal to their actual cost, and of the public benefits 



186 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

resnlting therefrom, of reasonable portions of the public lands, under 
suitable limitations, is a wise and just measure of public policy, which 
will promote in various ways the interests of all the States of this 
Union ; and we therefore recommend it t© the faverable consideration 
of the American people. 

Resolved, That the obligations of honor and patriotism require the 
earliest practical payment of the national debt, and we are therefore 
in favor of such a tariff of duties as will raise revenue adequate to de- 
fray the necessary expenses of the Federal Government, and to pay 
annual instalments of our debt and the interest thereon. 

KesoJved, That we inscribe on our own banner, "Free Soil, Free 
Speech, Free Labor, and Free Men," and under it we will fight on, and 
fight ever, until a triumphant victory shall reward our exertions. 

The term "Hunkers" was used to designate the 
conservative wing of the Democratic party, while the 
word ''Barnburners" was applied to the other wing 
in allusion to the thick-headed farmer who burned his 
bams in order to free them from rats and mice. 

The Liberty League, forming a split in the Liberty 
party, held a State Convention at Port Byron, I^. Y., 
in June, 1845, in which an address setting forth the 
unconstitutionality of slavery was read and printed 
but not adopted. In June, 1847, another convention 
was assembled at Macedon, N. Y., by the men who 
accepted the sentiments of the rejected address, and 
nominated Gerrit Smith and Elihu Burritt as its 
nominees. It was then sought to gain the support of 
the " Liberty Party " or Buffalo Convention, (which 
was held in October following) for these candidates, 
but in vain. The motto of this little party was, 
''Duty is ours, results are God's." The League met 
again at Auburn, N. Y., in January, 1848, and called 
a National Convention to assemble at Buffalo in Jan- 
uary following, and adopted two addresses, one to the 
colored people of the free States and the other to the 
people of the United States. Mr. Smith was renom- 
inated, and Elihu Burritt having declined the com- 



JAMES K. POLK. 



187 



pliment, C. C. Foot, of Michigan, was substituted. 
In a speech given by Mr. Smith, occurred ttese 
words : '- God gave civil government, I had well 
nigh said, to be on terms of companionship with the 
poor. Certain it is that he gave it chiefly for the pur- 
pose of protecting the rights of those who are too poor, 
ignorant and weak to protect themselves." And in 
the following words, he magnified the occupation of 
assisting slaves to secure their freedom, when he said, 
''As I live and as God lives, there is not on earth a more 
honorable employment. There is not in all the world 
a more honorable tombstone than that on which the 
slaveholder would inscribe * Here lies a slave-stealer.' " 
On account of the extreme views which were enter- 
tained by the Liberty League it failed to develop any 
popular strength ; but through the great ability of its 
leaders, by their power of voice and pen, it became 
very efficient in disseminating abolition sentiments 
and in exposing the horrors of that relic of barbar- 
ism — slavery. 



yill. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. 
The public debt was nearly doubled on account of 
the war, or more exactly, an increase of $23,778,691. 
*'In levying a tariff of duties for the support of govern- 
ment, the raising of revenue should be the object, 
and protection the incident." — Polk's message. 



Year. 


Public Debt. 


Expenditures. 


Exports. 


Imports. 


1845 
1846 
1847 
1848 


$17,093,794 
16,750,926 
38,926,623 

48,526,897 


§30,490,408 
27,632,282 
60,520,851 
60,655,143 


$114,646,600 
113,488,516 
158,648,622 
154,032,131 


5117,254,564 
121,691,797 
146,545,633 
154,998,923 



188 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

IX. OUTLINE OF CONCURRENT EVENTS. 

England : Sir John Franklin, (with Captains Croz- 
ier and Fitzjames,) sailed in the Erebus and Terror on 
an Artie Expedition from which he never returned, 
May 24, 1845. Corn Laws repealed, June 26, 1846. 
A fund of $50,000,000 voted for the relief of Irish 
sufferers by the great famine, May 15, 1847. Smith 
O'Brien, with others, condemned to death for inciting 
the Irish to rebellion, Oct. 9, 1848, but sentence 
changed to transportation for life, July 9, 1849, and a 
full pardon granted, May 3, 1856. 

France : Lecompte attempted to kill Louis Phil- 
ijDpe, April 16; Louis Napoleon escaped from the 
fortress of Ham, May 25 ; Louis Philippe's life at- 
tempted by Joseph Henri, July 29, 1846 ; commence- 
ment of Eevolution and resignation of M. Guizot, 
Feb. 22 ; abdication of Louis Phillippe in favor of 
the Count de Paris (grandson) and escaped with his 
family, Feb. 24 ; the Republic proclaimed and a pro- 
visional government (composed of Dupont de I'Eure, 
Lamertine, Arago, Marie, Gamier Pages, Leru Rol- 
lin, and Cremieux), established Feb, 26 ; perpetual 
banishment of Louis Philippe declared by the Na- 
tional Assembly, May 30; Louis Napoleon elected 
member of the Assembly, June 13 ; Gen. Cavaignac 
elected President of the Council, June 28 ; Louis Na- 
poleon declared President elect of the Republic, Dec. 
20, 1848. 

Rome : Cardinal Mastai Ferreti elected Pope 
under title of Pius IX, June 16, 1846; Roman Re- 
public proclaimed Feb. 5, 1849. Insurrections in 
Spain, Sicily, Portugal and Venice, 1846-48. 



CHAPTER XI. 
THE JiDMINISTRATlON OF TAILOR AND f ILLMOEE 

Whiff, One Term, 1849 to 1853. 



I. CABINET. 

PRESIDENTS. 

1849. Zachary Taylor, Louisiana. (Died July 
1850.) 

1850. Millard Fillmore, New York. 

VICE PRESIDENT. 

1849. JMillard Fillmore, New York. 

SECRETARIES OP STATE. 

1849. John M. Clayton, Delaware. 

1850. Daniel Webster, Massachusetts. 
1852. Edward Everett, Massachusetts^ 

SECRETARIES OP THE TREASURY. 

1849. William M. Meredith, Pennsylvania. 

1850. Thomas Corwin, Ohio. 

SECRETARIES OP WAR. 

1849. George W. Crawford, Georgia. 

1850. Edmund Bates, (declined.) 
1850. Charles M. Conrad, Louisiana. 

SECRETARIES OF THE NAVY. 

1849. William B. Preston, Virginia. 

1850. William A. Graham, North Carolina. 
1852. John P. Kennedy, Maryland. 



190 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 
SECRETARIES OF THE INTERIOR. 

1849. Thomas Ewing, Ohio. 

1850. James A. Pearce, Maryland. 
1850. T. McKennon, Pennsylvania. 
1850. Alexander H. H. Stewart, Virginia. 

POSTMASTERS GENERAL. 

1849. Jacob CoUamer, Vermont. 

1850. Nathan K. Hall, New York. 
1852. Samuel D. Hubbard, Connecticut. 

ATTORNEYS GENERAL. 

1849. Reverdy Johnson, Maryland. 

1850. John J. Crittenden, Kentucky. 



II. SENATOKS ELECTED PRESIDENTS PRO TEM- 
PORE OF THE SENATE. 

1850. July, William B. King, Alabama. 

December, David E. Atchison, Missouri. 



III. SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- 
TATIVES. 

XXXI. Congress, Howell Cobb, Georgia. 

XXXII. " Linn Boyd, Kentucky. 



IV. THE SIXTEENTH ELECTION. 

Popular vote: For President, Zachary Taylor, 
Louisiana, 1,360,099; Lewis Cass, Michigan, 1,220,- 
544 ; Martin Van Buren, New York, 291,263. 

Electoral vote: For President, Zachary Taylor, 
163 ; Lewis Cass, 127. 



ZACHARY TAYLOR. 191 

For Vice President : Millard Fillmore, New York, 
163 ; William O. Butler, Kentucky, 127 Total, 290. 
Thirty States voted. 



V. POPULATION AND REPEESENTATION. 

1850. AYhites, 19,195,695; Free colored, 434,- 
495; Slaves, 3,204,313. Total, 23,191,876. 

The ratio of representation was fixed at 93,420, 
giving a membership of 234 



VI. HISTORICAL RECORD. 
1849. 

March 5. (The 4th being Sunday.) Taylor was 
inaugurated. 

August 11. President Taylor published a procla- 
mation against the so-called "fillibusters'' who were 
designing to capture and annex Cuba, forbidding them 
to engage in the enterprise. Gen. Lopez, a Cuban 
exile, however, succeeded in enlisting 600 men, with 
whom he was able to land and capture the town of 
Cardenas, but could not hold it beyond a few days. 

December 3. The 31st Congress convened and now 
began a remarkable contest for the speakership. 
Howell Cobb, finally, on the 63d ballott, was elected, 
and the advantage of organizing the House and its 
committees was secured for the South. 

During this year Mr. C. Goodyear invented hard 
rubber as a substitute for horn and shells in manufac- 
ture. His invention of vulcanized rubber — a combi- 



192 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS, 

nation of vulcanized rubber and sulphur — was first 
patented in 1839. 

1850, 

January 1. A prominent South Carolina paper 
published a striking article to prove the failure and 
inutility of the Union. It wrote, "when the future 
historian shall address himself to the task of portray- 
ing the rise, progress and decline of the American 
Union, the year 1850 will arrest his attention, as 
denoting and presenting the first marshalling and ar- 
raying of those hostile forces and opposing elements 
which resulted in dissolution ; and the vv^orld will have 
another illustration of the great truth, that forms and 
modes of government, however correct in theory, are 
only valuable as they conduce to the great ends 
of all government — the peace, quiet, and conscious 
security of the governed." The plan of disrupting 
the Union was already clearly formed, but the catas- 
trophe, by a combination of circumstances, was de- 
layed ten years, and its failure to accomplish dissolu- 
tion will defer forever, it is hoped, the "task" of 
portraying the "decline of the American Union." 
With the same end in view, the "Southern Press" 
was instituted at Washington by a subscription of 
$30,000 from the forty-two members of Congress who 
had signed a Southern Manifesto the year previous. 
(This address professed to give a " clear, correct, but 
brief account, of the whole series of aggressions and 
encroachments" on Southern rights, with a statement 
of the dangers to which the States were subjected. 
March 4. Calhoun made his last and most elabo- 



ZACHARY TAYLOR. 193 

rate appeal for Southern rights upon the motion to 
aclmii California with a free Constitution. He pro- 
ceeded to show, in a speech that was read for him, 
that all the cords which bound the union together, 
except the single one of political party principle, had 
been snapped asunder, and that this one too was very 
nearl/broken, or, ** if not entirely, in a great measure. 
Kor is there one of the remaining cords " — of a poli- 
cal nature — '' which have not been greatly weakened. 
To this extent the Union has already been destroyed 
by agitation, in the only way it can be, by snapping 
asunder, and weakening the cords which bind it 
together." The cord of political parties, here referred 
to as the last, has since been completely sundered by 
the Dred Scott decision, the repeal of the compromise 
measure of 1820, and which, by separating the coun- 
try into a North and a South, has created parties upon 
the basis of slavery, and made its extension or non- 
extension, the shibboleth of political creeds and plat- 
forms. 

In answer to the question, ''how, then, can the 
Union be saved ? " he proposed an amendment to the 
Constitution. His plan, as it afterwards appeared, 
consisted of a dual presidency, one for the free, and 
the other for the slave States. Any act of Congress 
before becoming valid required the concurrent appro- 
val and signature of both Presidents. Senator Ben- 
ton replied that no such amendment could be made, 
and then that if it could, the Union would not last 
through a single session of CongTess, "any more than 
two animals could work together in the plow with their 
13 



194 THE TKESIOENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

lieads yoked together in oj^posite directions." Its ef- 
fect, practically, would be the dissolution of the Union. 

March 31. 'Death of Calhoun at Washington. 

iVpril 19. The Bulwer-Clayton treaty between 
England and the United States for the opening of 
water communication between the Atlantic and Pacific 
oceans was signed at AYashington and ratified Jiuy 4th. 

^fay 4. Great fire at San Francisco. Almost the 
entire city, consisting chiefly of wooden structures, was 
swept away. Loss, $4,000,000. 

July 0. * Death of President Taylor. * ' The nation 
mourns his loss." 

July 10. Fillmore inaugurated President. 

Ausfust 13. The bill to admit California as a free 
State was now passed as one of the parts of the com- 
promise measure. 

It became the sixteenth free State, and thus de- 
stroyed the political equipoise which had hitherto ex- 
isted between theXorth and the South, the slave States 
now numbering but fifteen. 

Fortius reason, its admission was made a *'test" 
question, and was preceded by eight months of weary 
and exciting debate. Clay, the ''Great Pacificator," 
had brought in his celebrated compromise bill to allay 
the storm and restore peace to the distracted nation. 
These measures were embraced in the so-called " Om- 
nibus Bill," which was a consolidation of all past 
compromises on the question of slavery, composed of 
thirty-nine sections. The bill as a whole was rejected, 
because it included so many incongruous objects, but 
the main lieads being incorporated into separate l^Jls 
were passed in the following order. : 



MILLARD FILLMORE. 196 

1. The Bills to form the Territories of Utah and 
New j\Iexico without any reference to slavery — passed 
August 10th. 

2. The Bill to admit California as a free State — 
passed August 13th. 

3. The Bill to pay Texas $10,000,000 for surren- 
der of its claims to the Territory of New Mexico — . 
passed August 14th. 

4. The Bill to return fugitives from justice and 
persons escaping from the service of their masters — 
passed August 23rd, 

5. The Bill to abolish the slave trade in the Dis- 
trict of Columbia — passed September 14th. 

The debate on the compromise Bill has been made 
impressively solemn by the fact, that it called out the 
final utterances of those great men, Webster, Clay 
and Calhoun on the nature and stability of our federal 
union. These intellectual giants, whose brilliancy 
has given a world-wide fame and lustre to American 
oratory, were destined to soon lay aside the duties of 
that elevated sphere in which they had so long moved, 
and transmit to other hands the keeping of those high 
trusts to which their whole lives had been devoted. 

As soon as the bill to admit California had passed 
the Senate, the Southern Senators offered a protest 
against it, in -which they set forth the ground of their 
complaint and urged that ''it was destructive of the 
safety and liberties of those rights which have been com- 
mitted to our care, fatal to the peace and equality of the 
States which we represent, and must lead, if persisted 
in, to the dissolution of that confederacy, in which 
the slaveholding States have never sought more than 



196 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS, 

equality, and in which they will not be content to re- 
main with less/' " It is remarkable that the protest 
is not on account of any power exercised by Congress 
over the subject of slavery in a territory, but for the 
non-exercise of such power and especially for not ex- 
tending the Missouri compromise line to the Pacific 
ocean ; and which non-extension of that line was the 
cause for the dissolution of the Union" — Benton. 

Senator Winthrop opposed its reception, because, 
as he said, the only protest a Senator can enter on the 
loages of the Journal is his peremptory *'No," and 
Senator Benton likewise declared that Senators had 
no right to spread on the pages of the Journal any 
reasons for their vote. Thereupon, its reception was 
refused, and the Bill to admit California was sent to 
the House where it speedily passed, and having re- 
ceived the President's signature, it became, on the 9th 
of September, the thirty-first State of the Union. 

1^51. 

May 8. The Southern Right'^s Convention met at 
Charleston, and advocated the dissolution of the 
Union. 

May 17. Lopez landed a second band of "filli- 
busters " in the Northern part of Cuba, but was again 
defeated in his object. 

July 4. The corner-stone of the extension to the 
Capitol at Washington was laid by the President with 
imposing ceremonies. Webster delivered an oration 
in which he portrayed the rapid progress of the States 
since the Union was formed. 

August — September. Gen. Lopez, with 480 men, 



MILLARD FILLMORE. 197 

made his third attempt to capture Cuba, but being 
captured, a part of them, including Lopez, were exe- 
cuted at Havanna. About ninety five of them, who 
had been deported to Spain, were subsequently par- 
doned by the Queen and returned to New York, March 
13th, 1852. 

December 5. Kossuth visited America, and re- 
ceived a public reception from Congress. He made 
some impassioned appeals for his down-trodden Hun- 
gary and awakened a lively sympathy for that un- 
happy land. Before he returned, he secured over 
$100,000 for his country's cause. 

December 14. A part of the Congressional Library 
was destroyed by fire. 

During this year. Uncle Tom's Cabin was published 
as a serial in a newspaper at Washington. 

1852. 

May 26. A difficulty arose with England about 
tlie Northern fisheries. It was alleged that Ameri- 
can fishermen violated the treaty of 1818, which for- 
bade them to cast their nets in British bays within 
three miles from the shore. War vessels of both 
nations were sent to these localities, but all dispute 
was removed by a settlement made in October of the 
following year. 

June 29. Henry Clay expired at Washington in 
the 75th year of his age. 

October 21. Daniel Webster died at jMarshfield, 
N. H., in the 70th year of his age. 

December 1. Edward Everett, Secretary of State, 
in response to an invitation of England and France 



198 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

to become a party to a " Tripartite treaty," forbidding 
any disturbance of Spain in her peaceable possession 
of Cuba, replied, that the position of Cuba rendered 
that island one of peculiar interest to the United 
States ; and although we should not violate any law 
of neutrality in our own conduct, yet, we should act 
in respect to it, without any dictation from foreign 
powers. He also stated that we should not see Cuba 
pass from Spain to any other European power with 
indifference. 

1853. 

February 2. A bill was introduced to organize the 
Territory of Nebraska. It was strenously opposed 
by the South, and, on the last day of the session, it 
was voted * ' that it do lie on the table." This was the 
commencement of the "Kansas-Nebraska Struggle." 



VII. POLITICAL PARTIES. 

The election of 1852 was shaped entirely with re- 
ference to the subject of slavery. 

The preponderance of population in the North, and 
the prospective and unequal increase of free over slave 
States, made the South extremely solicitous about the 
balance of power. It was expected that the compromise 
measure would produce ''peace, permanent peace, in 
the land." Instead, however, of producing peace and 
proving a " finality," it raised the storm anew and made 
the contest all the more exciting. The North became 
intensely restive under the attempted enforcement of 
the Fugitive Slave Bill, a large number being engaged 



MILLARD FILLMORE. 199 

in assisting fugitives to flee to Canada ; while the South 
complained, because it had not been fully protected 
in the enjoyment of its peculiar institution. Under 
these circumstances, there came into existence two 
extreme factions— one in the North and the other in 
the South — which did not believe the Union was 
worth saving. But the two great parties — Whig and 
Democratic — expressed their determination to stand 
by the Union in its integrity and to accept the Com- 
promise measures as a "finality" on the subject of 
slavery. A third party, called "Free Soil," also 
entered the field. 

1. The Democratic National Convention met at 
Baltimore, June 1st, 1852. The two-thirds rule was 
reafiirmed, and on the forty-ninth ballot, Franklin 
Pierce was selected as candidate for the Presidency, 
and on the second, William R. King was unanimously 
nominated for the Vice Presidency. The prominent 
candidates had all pledged themselves in advance, to 
support and enforce the compromise measures and to 
veto any attempt of Congress to annul their validity. 
The platform adopted was composed of resolutions 1, 
2 and 3 of the platform of 1848, (see page 178), pre- 
ceding resolutions 1, 2, 3 and 4 of that of 1840, (see 
page 153), with the following additions: 

8. Resolved, That it is the duty of every branch of the Government 
to enforce and practice the most rigid economy in conducting our pub- 
lic affairs, and that no more revenue ought to be raised than is required 
to defray the necessary expenses of the Government, and for the grad- 
ual but certain extinction of the public debt. 

9. Resolved, That Congress has no power to charter a National Bank, 
that we believe such an institution one of deadly hostility to the best 
interests of the country, dangerous to our republican institutions and 
the liberties of the people, and calculated to place the business of the 
country within the control of a concentrated money power, and that 
above tho laws and the will of the people ; and that the results of Dem- 



200 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 



cratic legislation, in this and all other financial measures, upon which 
issues have been made between the two political parties of the country 
have demonstrated to candid and practical men of all parties, their 
soundness, safety, and utility, in all business pursuits. 

10. Resolved, That the separation of the moneys of the Government 
from Banking Institutions, is indispensable for the safety of the funds 
of tho Government, and the rights of the people. 

11. Eesolved, That the liberal principles embodied by Jefferson in 
the Declaration of Independence, and sanctioned in the Constitution, 
which makes ours the land of liberty, and the asylum of the oppressed 
of every nation, have ever been cardinal principles in the Democratic 
faith ; and every attempt to abridge the privilege of becoming citizens 
and the owners of the soil among us, ought to be resisted with the same 
spirit that swept tho alien and sedition laws from our statute book. 

12. Eesolved, That Congress has no power under the Constitution 
to interfere with, or control the domestic institutions of tho several 
States, and that such States are tho sole and proper judges of every- 
thing appertaining to their own affairs, and prohibited by tho Consti- 
tution ; that all efforts of the Abolitionists or others, made to induce 
Congress to interfere with questions of Slavery, or to take incipient 
steps in relation thereto, aro calculated to lead to the most alarming 
and dangerous consequences ; and that all such efforts have an inevita- 
ble tendency to diminish the happiness of the people, and endanger 
the stability and permanency of the Union, and ought not to be coun- 
tenanced by any friend of our political institutions. 

13. Resolved, That the foregoing proposition covers, and is intended 
to embrace, the whole subject of Slavery agitation in Congress; and 
therefore the Democratic party of the Union, standing on this National 
Platform, will abide by, and adhere to, a faithful execution of tho acts 
known as the Compromise measures settled by tho last Congress— the 
act for reclaiming fugitives from servico or labor included ; which act, 
being designed to carry out an express provision of tho Constitution, 
cannot, with fidelity thereto bo repealed, nor so changed as to destroy 
or impair its efficiency. 

14. Eesolved, That the Democratic party will resist all attempts at 
renewing in Congress, or out of it, the agitation of the Slavery ques- 
tion, under whatever ehapo or color tho attempt may be made. 

Here were placed resolutions 13 and 14 of the 
platform of 1848. [See page 179.] 

Resolved, That the Democratic party will faithfully abide and up- 
, hold the principles laid down iu the Kentucky and Virginia Resolu- 
tions of 1702 and 1798, and in the report of Mr. Madison to the Vir- 
ginia Legislature in 1799; that it adopts those principles as consti- 
tuting one of the main foundations of its political creed, and is resolved 
to carry them out in their obvious meaning and import. 

Resolved, That the war with Mexico, upon all the principles of patri- 
otism and the law of nations, was a just and nessary war on our part, 
in which no American citizen should have shown himself opposed to 
his country, and neither morally nor physically, by word or deed 
given aid and comfort to the enemy. 

Resolved, That wo rejoice at the restoration of friendly relations with 
our sister Republic of Mexico, and earnestly desire for her all the 
blessings and prosperity which we enjoy under Republican Institu- 
tions, and we congratulate the American people on the results of that 
war which hava so manifestly justified the policy and conduct of the 
Democratic party, and insured to the United States indemnity for 
the past and security for the future. 



MILLARD FILLMORE. 201 

IJesolved, That, in view of the condition of popular institutions in 
the old world, a high and sacred duty is devolved with increased re- 
Bponsibility upoa the Democracy of this country, as the party of the 
people, to uphold and maintain the rights of every State, and thereby 
the Union of States, and to sustain and advance among them constitu- 
tional liberty, by continuing to resist all monopolies and exclusive leg- 
islation for the benefit of the few at the expense of the many, and by a 
vigilant find constant adherence to those principles and compromises 
of the CONSTITUTION, which are broad enough and strong enough 
to embrace and uphold the Union as it is, and the Union as it should 
be, in the full expansion of the energies and capacity of this great and 
progressive people. 

2. The Whig National Convention convened at 
Baltimore, June 16, and entered into an exciting 
contest for precedence in organization. It was 
moved that the committee on platform should consist 
of one delegate from each State ; to this was added 
an amendment, that "each member should be au- 
thorized to cast the number of votes to which said 
State is entitled in the Electoral College." Mr. 
Dawson, of Georgia, opposed this amendment, and 
said that ''this was the first attempt which has ever 
been made to convert the country into the wildest 
kind of democracy — the democracy of numbers." 
He believed that Ehode Island or Delaware was en- 
titled to the same political power as New York or 
Pennsylvania, and regreted that even some conserva- 
tive men were voting that ''numbers shall govern 
and not the sovereignty of States." He believed 
this to be "the wildest effort that was ever made to 
alienate one section from another." He had always 
been a Whig, but now, he vehemently declared, 
" whenever the party abandons those great principles, 
so help me God, I will abandon it." Hereupon the 
Northern members yielded, and rejected the amend- 
ment, but the "National Era," in commenting upon 
the servility of the Northern delegates, ssdS. that 



202 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

''their wrath is always greater than their endurance. 
They are remarkable for kicking out o*f the traces, 
but still more remarkable for kicking in." The first 
seven resolutions of the platform were then unani- 
mously adopted, but on the reception of the eighth 
the vote stood 227 to QQ. Kufus Choate, in advo- 
cating the adoption of this resolve, said that ''in the 
first place, our predecessors of the Democratic Con- 
vention in this hall have made it indispensible. If 
W€ do not make it as comprehensively and unequiv- 
ocally as they have, we shall be absorbed and scat- 
tered — absorbed by the whirlpool, scattered by the 
whirlwind of the sentiment of Nationality which 
they have had the sagacity to discover and hide 
under." 

After the adoption of this platform, the Conven- 
tion proceeded to ballot for candidates, the three 
most prominent being Scott, Fillmore and Webster. 
Gen. Scott was chosen on the 53d ballot, as presi- 
dential nominee, and William A. Graham on the 2d, 
as candidate for the vice presidency. After this se- 
lection, the Whig party passed out of existence, to 
be hung up in the halls of history by the side of the 
Federal party of happy memory. The Federal party 
became extinct during the " era of good feeling," 
chiefly due to its opposition to the war of 1812 ; the 
Whig party opposed the war with Mexico, and now, 
after an inefficient effort to throw ofi" the bonds of 
dissolution, its turn to depart had come. The follow- 
ing is the platform : 

The Whigs of the United States, in convention assembled, adhering 
to the great conservative principles by which they are controlled and 
governed, and now aa ^ver relying upon the intelligence of the Ameri- 



MILLARD FILLMORE. 203 



can people, with an abiding confidence in their capacity for ?elf-gov- 
ernmcnt, and their devotion to the Constitution and the Union, do 
proclaim the following as the political sentiments and determination 
for the establishment and maintainance of which their national organ- 
ization as a party was effected. 

First. The government of the Uuited States is of a limited char- 
acter, and it is confided to the exercise of powers expressly granted by 
the Constitution, and such as may be necessary and proper for carry- 
ing the granted powers into full execution, and that powers not 
granted or necessarily implied are reserved to the States respe^itively 
and to the people. 

Second. The State Governments should be held secure to their re- 
served rights and the General Government sustained on its Constitu- 
tional powers, and that the Union should be revered and watched 
over as the palladium of our liberties. 

Third. That while struggling freedom everywhere enlists the warm- 
est sympathy of the Whig party, we still adhere to the doctrines of the 
Father of his Countrj', as announced in his Farewell Address, of 
keeping ourselves free from all entangling alliances with foreign coun- 
tries, and of never quitting our own to stand upon foreign ground ; 
that our mission as a republic is not to propagate our opinions, or im- 
pose on other countries our forms of government, by artifice or force; 
but to teach by example, and show by our success, moderation and 
justice, the blessings of self-government, and the advantages of free 
Institutions. 

Fourth. That, as the people make and control the Government, 
they should obey its constitution, laws and treaties as they would re- 
tain their self-respect, and the respect which they claim and will en- 
force from foreign powers. 

Fifth. Governments should be conducted on principles of the 
strictest economy ; and revenue suflBcient for the expenses thereof, in 
time of peace, ought to be derived mainly from a duty on imports, 
and not from direct taxes ; and on laying such duties sound policy re- 
quires a ju&t discrimination, and, when practicable, by specific duties, 
whereby suitable encouragement may be afi'orded to American industry, 
equally to all classes and to all portions of the country. 

Sixth. The Constitution vests in Congress the power to open and 
repair harbors, and remove obstructions from navigable rivers, when- 
ever such improvements are necessary for the common defense, and for 
the protection and facility of commerce with foreign nations, or among 
the States— said improvements being in every instance national and 
general in their character. 

Seventh. The Federal and State Governments are parts of one sys- 
tem, alike necessary for the common prosperity, peace and security, 
and ought to be regarded alike with a cordial, habitual and immovable 
attachment. Eespect for the authority of each, and acquiescence in 
the just constitutional measures of each, are duties required by the 
plainest considerations of National, State and individual wellfare. 

Eighth. That the series of acts of the 32d Congress, the Act known 
as the Fugitive Slave law included, are received and acquiesced in by 
the Whig party of the United States as a settlement in principle and 
substance of the dangerous and exciting questions which they em- 
brace ; and, so far as they are concerned, we will maintain them, and 
insist upon their strict enforcement, until time and experience shall 
demonstrate the necessity of further legislation to guard against the 
evasion of the laws on the one hand and the abuse of their powers on 
the other— not impairing their present efficiency ; and we deprecate all 
further agitation of the question thus settled, as dangerous to our 
pe^^ce, and wiU discounteuaace all effQrt^ to continue or renew such 



204 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

agitation, whenovor, wborever, or bowover tho attempt may be made; 
au.l wo will maiutaiu tho system as essential to tho nationality of the 
Whig party, and tho integrity of tho Union. 

^ 3. The Free Soil Democracy assembled m Na- 
tional Convention at Pittsburg, August 11, 1852, in 
■which all the Free States participated together -svith 
Delaware, Virginia, Kentucky and ]Mar3^1and. The 
candidates nominated were John P. Hale, of New 
Hampshire, and George W. Julian of Indiana. The 
Free Soil Democrats, did not expect to carry a single 
State or secure a single electoral vote, but they could 
not sanction the principles of either Whig or Demo- 
crat, and in making their ticket, they acted for con- 
science's sake and to offer a " testimony" against the 
deplorable condition of the country, hoping that in 
the end, their party might become the entering wedge 
''to rive apart or break assunder, the long and ill- 
starred connection between slavery and the Govern- 
ment." The following platform was adopted : 

Having assomMcd in National Convention as tho Democracy of tho 
United States, united by a common resolve to maintain right against 
wrong, and Freedom against Slavery: confiding in tho intelligence, 
patriotism, and discriminating justice of tho American people, putting 
our trust in God for tho triumph of our cause, and invoking hia 
guidance in our endeavors to advance it, w^o now submit to tho candid 
judgment of all men, the following declaration of principles and 
measures : 

1. That governments, deriving their just powers from tho consent 
of the governed, are instituted among men to secure to all those inalien- 
able rights of life, liberty, and tho pursuit of happiness, with Avhich 
they are endowed by their Creator, and of which none can bo depiived 
by valid legislation, except for crime. 

2. That tho true mission of American Democracy is to maintain 
tho Liberties of the People, tho Sovereignty of tho States, and tho per- 
petuity of tho Union by the impartial application to public atlairs, 
without sectional discriminations of the fundamental principles of 
human rights, strict justice and an economical administration. 

3. That tho Federal Government is one of limited powers, derived 
solely from tho Constitution, and the grants of power therein ought 
to be strictly construed by all tho departments and agents of tho Gov- 
ernment, and it is inexpedient and dangerous to exorcise doubtful con- 
stitutional powers. 

4. That the Constitution of the United States, ordained to form a 
more perfect Union, to establish Justice and secure the blessings of 



MILLARD riLLMORE. 



Liboity, expressly denies to tlio General Qovcrnraent all power to de- 
prive any person of life, liberty or property without duo process of 
law ; and, therefore, the Government liavinR no nioro power to make a 
elavo than to make a king, and- no more power to establsh Slavery than 
to cetablish a Monarchy, should at onco proceed to relievo itself from 
all rrsponsibility for tho existence of Blavery, wherever it posseEse.i 
constitutional power to legislate for its extinction. 

5. That, to the persevering and importunate demands of the Slave 
power for more Slave States, new Slave Territories and tho nationaliza- 
tion of Slavery, our distinct nnd final answer is— no more Slave States, 
no Slave Territory, no nationalized Slavery, and no national legisla- 
tion for tho extradition of Slaves. 

C. That Slavery is a sin against God, and a crlmo against man, 
which no human enactment nor usage can make right ; and that Chris- 
tianity, humanity, and patriotism allko demand its abolition. 

7. That the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 is repugnant to tho Con- 
Btitution, to tho principles of the common law, to tho epirit of Chris- 
tianity, and to tho Bontiments of tho civilized world. Wo therefore 
deny its binding force on tho American people, and demand its imme- 
diate and total repeal. 

8. That the doctrine that any human law is a finality, and not sub- 
ject to modification or repeal, is not in accordance with tho creed of 
tho founders of our Government, and is dangerous to tho liberties of 
tho people. 

9. That tho Acts of Congress, known as tho Compromifio Measures 
of 1850, by making tho admission of a sovereign State contingent upon 
the adoption of other measures demanded by tho special interests of 
Slavery; by their omission to guarantee freedom in the free Territo- 
ries: by their attempt to impose unconstitutional limitations on tho 
powers of Congress and tho people — to admit new States; by their 
provisions for tho assumption of five millions of tho State debt of 
Texas, and for tho payment of five millions moro, and tho cession of a 
large territory to tho same State under menace, as an inducement to 
the relinquishment of a groundless claim, and by their invasion of tho 
sovereignty of tho States and tho liberties of tho people through the 
enactment of an unjust, oppressive, and unconstitutional Fugitive 
Slavo Law, aro proved to bo inconsistent with all tho principles and 
maxims of Democracy, and wholly Inadequate to tho settlement of the 
questions of which they are clamed to bo an adjustment. 

10. That no permanent settlement of tho Slavery question can bo 
looked for except in the practical recognition of tho truth that Slavery 
is sectional and Freedom National ; by tho total separation of tho Gen- 
eral Government from Slavery, and tho exercise of its legitimate and 

constitutional influence on the side of Freedom ; and by leaving to 
tho States tho whole subject of Slavery and tho extradition of fugit- 
ives from service. 

11. That all men havo a natural right to a portion of the soil ; and 
that as the uso of tho soil is indispensable to life, tho right of all men to 
tho soil is as sacred as their right to life itself. 

12. That tho Public Lands of the United States belong to tho People, 
and should not be sold to Individuals nor granted to corporations, but 
should bo held as a sacred trust for the benefit of tho people, nnd should 
bo granted in limited quantities, free of cost, to landless settlers. 

13. That a due regard for tho Federal Constitution, a sound admin- 
istrative policy, demand that tho funds of tho General Government be 
kept separate from Banking institutions ; that inland and ocean postage 
should be reduced to tho lowest possible point ; that no moro revenue 
should be raised than is required to defray tho strictly necessary ex- 
penses of tho public Bcrvice, and to pay o£f tho public debt ; and that 



206 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 



the power and patronage of the Government should be diminished, by 
the abolition of all unnecessary offices, salaries, and privileges, and by 
the election, by the people, of all civil officers in the service of the 
United States, so far as may be consistent with the prompt and efficient 
transaction of the public business. 

14. That River and Harbor Improvements, when necessary to the 
safety and convenience of commerce with foreign nations, or among the 
several States, are objects of national concern ; and it is the duty of 
Congress, in the exercise of its constitutional powers, to pro?ide for the 
same. 

J^5. That emigrants and exiles from the old world should find a cor- 
dial welcome to homes of comfort and fields ot enterprise in the new; 
and every attempt to abridge their privilege of becoming citizens and 
owners of the soil among us, ought to be resisted with inflexible deter- 
mination. 

16. That every nation has a clear right to alter or change its own 
government, and to administer its own concerns in such manner as may 
best secure the rights and promote the happiness of the people ; and for- 
eign interference with that right is a dangerous violation of the law of 
nations, against which all independent governments should protest, and 
endeavor by all proper means to prevent ; and especially is it the duty 
of the American Government, representing the Chief Republic of the 
world, to protest against, and by all proper means to prevent the inter- 
vention of kings and emperors against Nations seeking to establish for 
themselves Republican or constitutional governments. 

17. That the Independence of Hayti ought to be recognized by our 
Government, and our commercial relations with it placed on the foot- 
ing of the most favored nations. 

15. That as by the Constitution, "the citizens of each State shall 
be entitled to all the privileges and immunities of citizens in the several 
States," the practice of imprisoning colored seamen of other States, 
while the vessels to which they belong lie in port, and refusing the ex- 
ercise of the right to bring such cases before the Supreme Court of the 
United States, "to test the legality of such proceedings, is a flagrant vio- 
lation of the Constitution, and an invasion of the rights of the citizens 
of other States utterly inconsistent with the professions made by the 
slaveholders, that they wish the provisions of the Constitution faith- 
fully observed by every State in the Union. 

19. That we recommend the introduction into all treaties hereafter 
to be negotiated between the United States and foreign nations, of some 
provision for the amicable settlement of difficulties by a resort to de- 
cisive arbitrations, 

20. That the Free Democratic Party is not organized to aid either 
the Whig or Democratic wiog of the great Slave Compromise party of 
the nation, but to defeat them both ; and that repudiating and renoun- 
cing both, as hopelessly corrupt, and utterly unworthy of confidence, 
the purpose of tha Free Democracy is to take possession of the Federal 
Government, and administer it for the better protection of the rights 
and interests of the whole people. 

21. That we inscribe on our banner, Free Soil, Free Speech, Free 
Labor and Free men, and under it will fight on and fight ever until a 
triumphant victory shall rev/ard our exertions. 

22. That upon this Platform the Convention presents to the Ameri- 
can people as a candidate for the office of President of the United States, 
John P. Hale, of New Hampshire, and as a candidate for the office of 
Vice President of the United States, George W. JuUan, of Indiana, and 
earnestly commend them to the support of all freemen and all parties. 



MILLARD FILLMORE. 207 

VIII. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. 

The increase of public debt is hardly perceptible, 
being only $425,999 ; while the decrease in annual ex- 
penditures amounts to 813,942,535. 



Year 

1849 
1850 
1851 
1852 



Public Debt. 



$64,704,693 
64,228,238 
62,560,395 
65,130,692 



Expenditures. Exports. 



$56,386,422 $145,755,820 
44,604,718 151,898,790 
48,476,104 218.388,011 
46,712,6081 209,658,366 



Imports. 



$147,857,439 
178,138,318 
216,224.932 
212.945;442 



IX. OUTLINE OF COXCURRENT EVENTS. 

England : The Pope's Bull establishing a Roman 
Catholic hierarchy in England, declared null and 
void, July 4, 1851. * 

France : Proposal of President to restore universal 
suffrage, rejected by the National Assembly, Xov. 
13; Louis Napoleon, by a "coup d' etat" dissolved 
the Assembly, established universal suffrage, proposed 
an election of President for ten years, and declared 
Paris in a state of siege, Dec. 2 ; troops quelled oppo- 
sition Dec. 3-4 ; President elected for ten years by a 
vote of 7,481,231 to 640,737, Dec. 21-22, 1851. 
Napoleon inaugurated President at Notre Dame, Jan. 
1 ; a new constitution promulgated Jan. 15 ; titles of 
nobility restored, Jan. 25 ; Senate petitioned for resto- 
ration of the Empire, Sept. 13 ; Empire restored by 
a vote of 7,839,552 to 254,501, (63,669 blanks,) 
Nov. 21 ; President proclaimed Emperor with the 
title of Napoleon III., Dec. 2, 1852 ; marriage with 
Eugenie de Montijo, Jan. 29, 1853 

Rome : Papal authority restored by France, July 
15, 1849 ; return to Rome of Pius JX, April 12, 1850. 



CHAPTER XII. 
THE ADMINISTRATION OF FRANKLIN PIERCE, 

Democratic. One Term, 1853 to 1857. 



I. CABINET. 

PRESIDENT. 

1853. Franklin Pierce, New Hampshire. 

VICE PRESIDENT. 

1853. William R. King, Alabama, (died April IStli, 
1853.) 

SECRETARY OF STATE. 

1853. William L. Marcy, N^w York. 

SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY, 

1853. James Guthrie, Kentucky. 

SECRETARY OF WAR. 

1853. Jefferson Davis, Mississippi. 

SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

1853. James C. Dobbin, North Carolina. 

SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR. 

1853. Robert McClelland, Michigan. 

POSTMASTER GENERAL. 

1853. James Campbell, Pennsylvania. 

ATTORNEY GENERAL. 

1853. Caleb Cushing, Massachusetts. 

II. SENATOR ELECTED PRESIDENT PRO 
TEMPORE OF THE SENATE. 

1856. Jesse D. Bright, Indiana* 



FRANKLIN TIERCE. 209 

III. SPEAKEKS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- 
TATIVES. 

XXXIII. Congress, Linn Boyd, Kentucky. 

XXXIV. " Nathaniel P. Banks, Mass. 



IV. THE SEVENTEENTH ELECTION. 

Popular Vote : For President, Franklin Pierce, 
New Hampshire, 1,601,274; Winfield Scott, New 
Jersey, 1,386,580; John P, Hale, New Hampshire, 
155,825. 

Electoral Vote : For President, Franklin Pierce, 
254; Winfield Scott, 42. 

For Vice President : "William R. King, Alabama, 
254; William A. Graham, North Carolina, 42. 
Total, 296. Thirty-one States voted. 



V. HISTORICAL RECORD. 
1853. 

March 4. Franklin Pierce was inaugurated the 
Fourteenth President of the United States. William 
P. King was sworn in as Vice President, at Cumbre 
Island, Cuba, March 24, whither he had gone for his 
health. Pierce, in his inaugural address, made the 
following statement of his political faith : 

''I believe that involuntary servitude, as it exists 
in different States of this confederacy, is recognized 
by the Constitution. I believe that it stands like any 
other admitted right, and that the States where it ex- 
ists, are entitled to efficient remedies to enforce the 

14 



210 THE TRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

constitutional provisions. I hold that the laws of 
1850, commonly called the 'Compromise Measures/ 
are strictly constitutional, and to be unhesitatingly 
carried into effect. I believe that the constituted 
authorities of this Republic are bound to regard the 
rights of the South in this respect, as they would view 
any other legal and constitutional right, and that the 
laws to enforce them should be resj^ected and obeyed ; 
not with a reluctance encouraged by abstract opinions 
as to their propriety in a different state of society, but 
cheerfully and according to the decision of the tribu- 
nal to which their exposition belongs ; such have been, 
and are, my convictions, and upon them shall I act. 
I fervently hope the question is at rest, and that no 
sectional, or ambitious, or fanciful excitement, may 
again threaten the dui:ability of our institutions, or 
obscure the light of our prosperity." 

May 30. Dr. Kane set out in the *' Advance" on 
an expedition to the Arctic regions for the discovery of 
Sir John Franklin. (He returned October 11, 1856). 

July 8. Commodore Perry arrived at Japan. 

July. Martin Koszta, a Hungarian, who had taken 
steps to be naturalized in the United States, while at- 
tending to some business at Smyrna, w^as arrested by 
order of the Austrian Consul-General and taken on 
board an Austrian ship. Captain Ingraham, in com- 
mand of the U. S. sloop-of-war, " St. Louis," being 
appealed to, promptly secured his release. 

July. The ** Crystal Palace" was opened in New 
York City — destroyed by fire in October, 1858. 

December 5. The President, in his annual mes- 
sage, with reference to the outlook, said that " when 



FRANKLIN PIERCE. 211 

tlie grave shall have closed over all who are now en- 
deavoring to meet the obligations of duty, the year 
1850 will be recurred to, as a period filled with anxious 
apprehensions. A successful War had just termina- 
ted. Peace brought with it a vast augmentation of 
territory. Disturbing questions arose, bearing upon 
the domestic institutions of one portion of the con- 
federacy, and involving the constitutional right of the 
States. But notwithstanding differences of opinions 
and sentiment which then existed in relation to de- 
tails and specific provisions, the acquiescence of dis- 
tinguished citizens, w^hose devotion to the Union can 
never be doubted, has given renewed vigor to our in- 
stitutions, and restored a sense of repose and security 
to the public mind throughout the Confederacy. That 
this repose is to suffer no shock during my official 
term, if I have the power to avert it, those who 
placed me here may be assured." 

December 30. A dispute about boundaries arose 
under the treaty of Gaudalupe Hidalgo, on account 
of the inaccuracy of the map which was used when it 
was formed. General Gadsen negotiated a settle- 
ment whereby the United States paid Mexico $10,- 
000,000, for a section additional to the territories of 
New Mexico and Arizona. The *' Gadsen Purchase '' 
included the Mesilla- Valley road to California, and 
secured the free navigation of the Gulf of California 
and the Kiver Colorado) to both parties. Santa Anna 
was President of the Kepublic of Mexico at this time. 

1854. 
March 8. A commercial treaty was formed with 
Japan by Com. Perry, by which two ports were open • 



212 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

to American commerce. This was the first concession 
that Japan ever made to any western nation. 

April 28. Neutrality on the Eastern question was 
announced by the United States Government. 

May 24. The Kansas-Nebraska Bill was finally 
passed and receiving very promptly the President's 
signature, Kansas and Nebraska were organized into 
territories, and the subject of slavery was left for the 
settlers to decide whether they would ''vote it up, or 
vote it down." This was an abrogation of the Mis- 
souri Compromise of 1820. 

June 7. The Beciprocity Treaty was concluded at 
Washington with England, concerning the Newfound- 
land fisheries, so as to make commerce between Can- 
ada and the United States very nearly free. 

July 13. Grey town, Central America, was bom- 
barded by a United States man-of-war in retaliation 
for an insult ofiered to the American Consul. 

October 9, A short time after the passage of the 
Kansas-Nebraska bill, the President directed James 
Buchanan, John Y. Mason, and Pierre Soule, Amer- 
ican ministers at London, Paris and Madrid, to meet 
in some European city and devise plans for securing 
the annexation of Cuba. A meeting was held by 
them at Ostend, and after three days* secret conclave, 
they adjourned to Aix-la-Chapelle, where they more 
fully matured the document known as the ' ' Ostend 
Manifesto." This circular, which was transmitted to 
the President, set forth the necessity for its acquisi- 
tion on our part, the pecuniary advantages of such 
transfer to Spain, and finally, the possibility of 
forcible accession, if other means failed^ The pub- 



FRANKLIN PIERCE. 213 

lication of this Manifesto was at first received "with 
incredulity and astonishment in Europe, but sub- 
sequent dispatches confirmed its accuracy, and left 
an unenviable impression of unfairness upon the 
European mind. 

During this year Elias Howe succeeded in inter- 
esting parties in the utility of his invention, the sew- 
ing machine. He had first made it public in 1847, 
but meiited recognition followed rather tardily. 

1855. 

During this year "William Walker, the "fillibus- 
ter," made an attempt to capture Nicaragua at the 
head of a company of adventurers enlisted in Cali- 
fornia; The Nicaraguans being assisted by the peo- 
ple of Costa Rica were enabled to expel Walker. 

1856. 

February 20. An unparalleled struggle for the 
Speakership took place in the House, and was con- 
tinued for nine Aveeks, until the plurality rule was 
adopted, when the House proceeded to its 133rd bal- 
lot and elected Nathaniel P. Banks, by a plurality of 
three votes. This was a triumph of the party in op- 
position to the administration. 

May 21. The " Border Warfare" was waged be- 
tween settlers, and "border ruffians" from Missouri, 
for the possession of Kansas. It began with the Sack 
of Lawrence. A force of 800 men well armed, 
marched into the town, and destroyed property worth 
about C150,000, but without loss of life. ''The so- 
called ' Kansas War ' proved a desultory, wasteful, 
but not very bloody conflict. It was waged with al- 



214 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

ternations of activity and quiet throughout the next 
year. One of its most noted incidents is known as 
the 'battle of Black Jack/ wherein 28 Free State 
men, led by old John Brown, of Osawatomie, fought 
and defeated on the open prairie, 56 * border ruffians,' 
headed by Capt. H. Clay Pate, from Vii^ginia, who 
professed to be an officer under Marshall Donaldson. 
It terminated in the surrender of Pate and all that re- 
mained of his baud, 21 men, beside the wounded, 
with 23 horses and mules, wagons, provisions, camp 
equipage, and a considerable quantity of plunder, ob- 
tained just before by sacking a little Free-State set- 
tlement, known as Palmyra." — Greeley. 

May 22. Senator Sumner was assaulted for words 
spoken in debate, by Preston S. Brooks, while sitting 
in his chair, after the Senate had adjourned. The 
nature of the injuries received were such as to unfit 
him for active duty during the following ten years. 

May 28. The British Minister was ordered to de- 
part from Washington. England, while engaged in 
the Eastern war was greatly in want of soldiers and 
attempted to enlist men in the United States in viola- 
tion of treaty stipulations. 

June 5. The village of Osawatomie was sacked 
and burned. . 

September 1. Leavenworth was taken and pillaged 
by a large force from Missouri. 

December. President Pierce, in his Annual Mes- 
sage to Congress, in commenting on the deplorable 
condition of affairs, said: "Extremes beget ex- 
tremes. Violent attack from the North finds its in- 
evitable consequence in the growth of a spirit of 



FRANKLIN PIERCE. 215 

angry defiance at the South. Thus, in the progress 
of events, we have reached that consummation — which 
the voice of the people has now so pointedly rebuked — 
of the attempt of a portion of the States, by a sec- 
tional organization and movement, to usurp the con- 
trol of the government of the United States." 

1857. 
February 12. George Peabody gave $300,000 for 
a free literary and scientific Institute to be erected at 
Baltimore. 

VI. POLITICAL PARTIES. 

The repudiation of the Missouri Compromise, by 
the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska bill, shaped 
parties entirely with reference to the subject of 
slavery. The renewed compromise of 1850 instead 
of. producing peace, was no sooner passed into a law, 
than it was swept away, and the entire country 
changed into an arena for the contest between free- 
dom and slavery. Three distinct parties organized 
for the fall campaign of 1856. 

1. The first to enter the list was the "American," 
or ''Know-Nothing" party, which met in National 
Council at Philadelphia, February 1 9th, with a re- 
presentation from all the States, save South Carolina, 
Georgia, Vermont, and Maine. After an exciting 
debate of three days duration, the following, called 
the "American Platform," was adopted : 

1. An humble acknowledgment to the Supreme Being, for his pro- 
tecting care vouchsafed to our fathers in their successful Rerolutlonary 
struggle, and hitherto manifested to us, their descendants, in tho pre- 
servation of the liberties, the independence, and the union of these 
States. 



216 THE PRESIDEx\TS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 



2. Tho perpetuation of the Federal Union and Constitution, as the 
palladium of our civil and religous liberties, and the only sure bulwarks 
cf Amtrican Independence. 

3. Americans must rule America; and to this end native-horn citizens 
should be selected for all State, Federal and municipal offices of govern- 
ment employment, in preference to all others. Nevertheless, 

4. Persons born of American parents residing temporarily abroad, 
should be entitled to all tho rights of native-born citizens. 

5. No person should bo selected for political station, (whether of 
native or foreign birth), who recognizes any allegiance or obligation of 
any description to any foreign prince, potentate or power, or who re- 
fuses to recognize the Federal and State Constitutions (each within its 
sphere) as paramount to all other laws, as rules of political action. 

G. The unqualified recognition and maintenance of tho reserved 
rights of the several States, and the cultivation of harmony and frater- 
nal good will between the citizens of tho several States, and to this end, 
non-interference by Congress with questions appertaining solely to the 
individual States, and non-intervention by each State with tho affairs 
of any other State, 

7. The recognition of the right of native-born and naturalized citi- 
zens of the United States, permanently residing in any territory thereof, 
to frame their constitution and laws, and to regulate their domestic and 
social affairs in their own mode, subject only to the provisions of the 
Federal Constitution, with th& privilege of admission into the Union 
whenever they have tho requisite population for one Representative in 
Congress : Provided, always, that none but those who are citizens of the 
United States, under tho Constitution and laws thereof, and who have 
a fixed residence in any such Territory, ought to participate in the for- 
mation of the Constitution, or in the enactment of laws for said Terri- 
tory or State. 

8. An enforcement of tho principles that no State or Territory ought 
to admit others than citizens to the right of suffrage or of holding poli- 
tical oQices of the United States. 

9. A change in the laws of naturalization, making a continued resi- 
dence of twenty-one years, of all not heretofore provided for, an indis- 
pensable requisite for citizenship hereafter, and excluding all paupers, 
and persons convicted of crime, from landing upon our shores ; but no 
interference with the vested rights of foreigners. 

10 Opposition to any union between ChurcTi and State ; no inter- 
ference with religious faith or worship, and no test oaths for office. 

11. Free and thorough investigation into any and all alleged abuses 
of public functionaries, and a strict economy in public expenditures. 

12. The maintenance and enforcement of all laws constitutionally 
enacted until said laws shall be repealed, or shall be declared null and 
void by competent judicial authority. 

13. Opposition to the reckless and unwiso policy of the present Ad- 
ministration in the general management of our national affairs, and 
more especially as shown in removing " Americans " (by designation) 
and Conservatives in principle from office, and placing foreigners and 
Ultraists in their places ; as shown in a truckling subserviency to the 
stronger, and an insolent and cowardly bravado toward the weaker 
powers; as shown in reopening sectional agitation, by the repeal of the 
Missouri Compromise ; as shown in granting to unnaturalized foreign- 
ers the right of suffrage in Kansas and Nebraska ; as shown in its vacil- 
lating course on the Kansas and Nebraska question ; as shown in the 
corruptions which pervade some of the Departments of the Government ; 
as shown in disgracing meritorious naval officers through prejudice or 
caprice ; and as shown in the blundering mismanagement of our foreign 
relations. 



FRANKLIN PIERCE. 217 

14. Therefore, to remedy existing evils, and prevent the disastroua 
consequences otherwise resulting therefrom, we would build uj) tlio 
"American Party " upon tho principles herein before stated. 

15. That each State Council shall have authority to amend their 
several constitutions, eo as to abolish the several degrees and substitute 
R pledge of honor, instead of other obligations, for fellowship and ad- 
mission into the party. 

IG. A free and open discussion of all political principles embraced 
in cur Platform. 

On the 22d of February, the American National 
Nominating Convention, composed mainly of the 
same delegates who had framed the platform, to the 
number of 227, met in the same city ; but before 
proceeding to make nominations, Mr. Killinger, of 
Pennsylvania, moved the following resolution, which 
was laid on the table by a vote of 141 to 59 : 

Resolved, That the National Council has no authority to prescribe a 
Platform of Principles for this nominating Convention, and that we 
will nominate for President and Vice President no man who is not in 
favor of interdicting the introduction of Slavery into Territory North 
of 3G° 30' by Congressional action. 

The convention then selected Millard Fillmore and 
Andrew Jackson Donelson, of Tennessee, for its can- 
didates. 

The minority, which had vainly opposed the adop- 
tion of the platform, being dissatisfied, seceded and 
held a convention at New York City, June 12, 1856, 
known as the " National Convention of North- Ameri- 
cans." N. P. Banks, on the 10th ballot, received the 
nomination for President, and Mr. J. Johnson, of 
Pennsylvania, for Vice President. A committee was 
then appointed to confer with a similar committee 
from the National Republican Convention then in 
session at Philadalphia, but nothing definite was 
reached, except that the " North Americans," having 
reassembled on the 20th, withdrew their own can- 
didate and determined to support John C, Fremont. 



218 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

Mr. Johnson, however, was retained as their candi- 
date for Vice President. 

Mr. Fillmore was absent in Europe, at the time 
his nomination was made, but on his return early in 
July, he accepted the position tendered him by the 
American party, and in his speech on the political 
situation delivered at Albany, he criticized rather 
sharply the Republican organization, and tried to 
make it appear sectional in its objects as well as in its 
candidates. 

"We see," he remarked, "apolitical party presenting can- 
didates for the Presidency and Vice Presidency, selected, for 
the first time, from the Free States alone, with the avowed 
purpose of electing these candidates by the suffrages of one 
part of the Union only, to rule over the whole United States. 
Can it be possible that those who are engaged in such a mea- 
sure can have seriously reflected upon the consequences 
which must inevitably follow, in case of success ? Can they 
have the madness or the folly to believe that our Southern 
brethern would submit to be governed by such a Chief Mag- 
istrate ? Would he be required to follow the same rule pre- 
scribed by those who elected him in mating his appoint- 
ments? If a man living South of Mason and Dixon's line 
be not worthy to be President or Vice President, would it be 
proper to select one from the same quarter as one of his Cab- 
inet Council, or to represent the nation in a foreign country ? 
Or, indeed, to collect the revenue, or administer the laws of 
the United States ? If not, what new rule is the President 
to adopt in selecting men for office that the people themselves 
discard in selecting him ? These are serious but practical 
questions ; and, in order to appreciate them fully, it is only 
necessary to turn the tables upon ourselves. Suppose that 
the South, having the majority of the electoral votes, should 
declare that they would only have slaveholders for Presi- 
dent and Vice President, and should elect such by their ex- 
clusive suffrages to rule over us at the North. Do you think 
we would submit to it ? No, not for a moment. And do 
you believe that your Southern brethren are less sensitive on 
this subject than you are, or less jealous of their rights ? If 
you do, let me tell you that you are mistaken. And, there- 
fore, you must see that, if this sectional party succeeds, it 



FRANKLIN PIERCE. 219 

leads inevitably to the destruction of this beautiful fabric, 
reared by our forefathers, cemented by their blood, and be- 
queathed to us as a priceless inheritance." 

Mr. Fillmore, in one statement at least, must have 
spoken either as a politican, or in ignorance of the 
fact, that in 1828, Andrew Jackson, of Tennessee, 
and John C. Calhoun, of South Carolina, were elected 
and inaugurated as President and Vice President, 
placed there chiefly by Southern votes ; while John 
Q. Adams, of IVIassachusetts, and Richard Kush, of 
Pennsylvania, were the candidates in opposition — two 
from the North against two from the South— and no 
one at that time saw anything wrong in the matter 
that would justify rebellion or secession. 

The Know-Nothings formed a secret organization 
with lodges, and councils, to which the members 
yielded a sworn allegiance, and began to exercise poli- 
tical influence as early as 1852. At first they com- 
bined their support on candidates of other parties, 
but in 1856 they considered themselves strong 
enough to run candidates of their own. This election 
marks their only appearance in the presidential field 
of American politics, and the votes they cast were 
sufiicient to hold the balance of power ; if all had ral- 
lied, as a part of them did, to the support of Fremont, 
his election would have been secured. But it is 
hardly to be expected that a party of this kind, in a 
country where nearly half the population is of foreign 
birth, and where all would be foreigners if they had 
been born earlier— it is not to be expected that such 
a party can gain and hold any considerable popular 



220 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

strength. It secured, however, the electoral vote of 
Maryland. 

In anticipation of ''Know-Nothing" power and 
popularity, a society to counteract and defeat it, was 
formed in 1855, which called itself ''Know-Some- 
thing ; " but this party too, like its opponent, went to 
pieces, and both were absorbed by the two great 
parties — the Eepublican and the Democratic. 

2. The Democratic party convened at Cincinnati, 
June 2, 1856, and nominated James Buchanan on the 
17th ballot for President, and John C. Breckinridge 
unanimously on the 2d, for Vice President. Stephen 
A. Douglas, Franklin Pierce, and Gen. Lewis Cass 
were the chief competitors of Mr. Buchanan. The 
following is the Cincinnati platform : 

Resolved, That tho American Democracy pTace their trust in the 
intelligence, the patriotism, and the discriminating justice of the 
American people. 

Resolved, That we regard thia-aa a distinctive feature of our politi- 
cal creed, which we are proud to maintain before tho world as a great 
moral element in a form of government springing fi'om and upheld by 
the popular will; and we contrast it with tho creed and practice of 
Federalism under whatever name or form, which seeks to pp.ley the 
will of the Constituent, and which conceives no Imposture too mon- 
Etroua for tho popular credulity. 

Resolved, therefore, That entertaining these views, the Democratic 
party of this Union, through their delegates, assembled in general 
convention, coming together in a spirit of concord, of devotion to the 
doctrines and faith of a free representative government, and appealing 
to their fellow-citizens for the rectitude of their intentions, renew 
and reassert before the American people, the declarations of principles 
avowed by them, when, on former occasions, in general Convention, 
they have presented their candidates for tho popular suffrage. 

1. That the Federal Government is one of limited power, derived 
solely from the Constitution, and the grants of power made therein 
ought to bo strictly construed by all the departments and agents of the 
GcYernment, and that it is inexpedient and dangerous to exercise doubt- 
ful constitutional powers. 

2. That the Constitution does not confer upon the General Govern- 
ment the power to commence and carry on a general system of internal 
improvements. 

3. That the Constitution does not confer authority upon the Fed- 
eral Government, directly, or indirectly, to assume tho debts of the 
several States, contracted for local and Internal improvements, or other 
State purposes, nor would such assumption be juet or expedient. 

4. That justice and sound policy forbid the Federal Government to 
foster one branch of industry to the detriment of another, or to cherish 
the interests of one portion of our common country ; that every citizen 



FRANKLIN PIERCE. 221 



and every section of tho country has a right to demand and Insist upon 
an equality of rights and privileges, and a comploto and ample protec- 
tion of persons and property from domestic violence and foreign ag- 
gression. 

5. That it is the duty of every branch of the Government to enforcs 
and practice the most rigid economy in conducting our public aft'airs, 
and that no more revenue ought to he raised than is required to defray 
tho necessary expenses of tho government, and gradual but certain ex- 
tinction of tho public debt. 

G. That the proceeds of the public lauds ought to bo sacredly ap- 
plied to the national objects specified in tho Conetitution, and that we 
are opposed to any law for tho distribution of such proceeds among thi 
States, as alike inexpedient in policy, and repugnant to tho Constitution. 

7. That Congress has ro powrr to charter a National Bank ; that 
we believe such an institution one of deadly hostility to tho best inter- 
ests of this country, dangerous to our republican institutions and the 
liberties of the people, and calculated to placo tho business of the 
country within the control of a concentrated money power and above 
the laws and will of the people ; and tho results of the Democratic leg- 
islation in this and all other financial measures upon which issues have 
been made between the two political parties of the country, have dem- 
onstrated to candid and practical men of all parties their soundness 
safety and utility in all business pursuits. 

8. That the separation of the moneys of the Government from bank- 
ing institutions is indispensable to the safety of the funds of the Gov- 
ernment and tho rights of the people. 

9. That we are decidedly opposed to taking from the President the 
qualified Veto power, by which he is enabled under restrictions and re- 
sponsibilities amply sufficient to guard the public interests, to suspend 
the passage of a bill whose merits cannot secure the approval of two- 
thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives, until the judgment 
of the people can be obtained thereon, and which has saved tho Ameri- 
can people from the corrupt and tyranical dominion of the Bank of the 
United States, and from a corrupting system of general internal im- 
provements. 

10. That the liberal principles embodied by Jefferson in the Declara- 
tion of Independence, and sanctioned in the Constitution, which makes 
ours the land of liberty and the asylum of the oppressed of eveiy nation, 
have ever been cardinal principles in the Democratic faith ; and every 
attempt to abridge the privilege of becoming citizens and the owners of 
soil among us ought to be resisted with tho same spirit which swept the 
alien and sedition laws from our statute books. 

And ichereas, Since tho foregoing declaration was uniformly adopted 
by our predecessors in National Convention, an adverse political and 
religious test has been secretly organized by a party claiming to be ex- 
clusively American, and it is proper that the American Democracy 
should clearly define its relations thereto; and declare its determined 
opposition to all secret political societies, by whatever name they may 
be called. 

Resolved, That the foundation of this Union of States having been 
laid in, and its prosperity, expansion, and pre-eminent example of free 
government, built upon entire freedom in matters of religious concern- 
ment, and no respect of persona in regard to rank, or place of birth, no 
party can justly be deemed national, constitutional, or in accordance 
with American principles, which bases its exclusive organization upon 
religious opinions and accidental birth-place. And hence a political 
crusade in the nineteenth century, and in the United States of America, 
against Catholics and foreign-born, is neither justified by the past his- 
tory nor future prospects of the country, nor in unison with the spirit 
of toleration, and enlightened freedom which peculiarly distinguishes 
the American system of popular government. 
Resolved, That we reiterate with renewed energy of purpose the well 



222 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 



considered declaration of former conventions npon the sectional issue 
of domestic slavery, and concerning the reserved rights of the States — 

1. That Congress has no power under the Constitution to interfere 
with or control the domestic Institutions of the several States, and that 
all such States are the sole and proper judges of everything appertain- 
ing to their own affairs not prohibited by the Constitution ; that all ef- 
forts of the Abolitionists or others made to induce Congress to interfere 
with questions of Slavery, or to take incipient steps in relation thereto, 
are calculated to lead to the most alarming and dangerous consequences, 
and that all such efforts have an inevitable tendency to diminiBh the 
happiness of the people and endanger the stability and permanency of 
the Union, and ought not to be countenanced by any friend of our poli- 
tical institutions. 

2. That the foregoing proposition coders and was intended to em- 
brace the whole subject of Slavery agitation in Congress, and therefore 
the Democratic party of the Union standing on this national platform, 
will abide by and adhere to a faithful execution of the acts known as 
the Compromise Measures, settled by the Congress of 1850: "the act for 
reclaiming fugitives from service or labor " included ; which act, being 
designed to carry out an express provision of the Constitution, cannot, 
with fidelity thereto, be repealed, or so changed as to destroy or impair 
its efficiency. 

3. That the Democratic party will resist all attempts at renewing, 
in Congress or out of it, the agitation of the Slavery question, under 
whatever shape or color the attempt may bo made. 

4. That the Democratic Party will faithfully abide by and uphold 
the principles laid down in the Kentucky and Virginia resolutions of 
1797 and 1798, and In the report of Mr. Madison to the Virginia Legisla- 
ture in 1799 — that it adopts these principles as constituting one of the 
main foundations of its political creed, and is resolved to carry them 
out in their obvious meaning and Import. 

And that we may more distinctly meet the issue on which a sectional 
party, subsisting exclusively on Slavery agitation, now relies to test the 
fidelity of tho people. North and South, to the Constitution and the 
Union — 

1. Resolved, That claiming fellowship with and desiring the co- 
operation of all who regard the preservation of the Union under the 
Constitution as the paramount issue, and repudiating all sectional 
parties and platforms concerning domestic Slaverj', which seek to em- 
broil the States, and incite to treason and armed resistance to law in 
the Territories, and whose avowed purpose, if consummated, must end 
in civil war and disunion, the American Democracy recognize and adopt 
the principles contained in tho organic laws establishing the Territories 
of Nebraska and Kansas, as embodying the only sound and safe solu- 
tion of the Slavery question, upon which the great national idea of the 
people of this while country can repose in its determined conservation 
of the Union, and non-interference of Congress with Slavery in the Ter- 
ritories or in tho District of Columbia. 

2. That this was the basis of tho compromises of 1850, confirmed by 
both (he Democratic and V/hig parties in National Conventions, ratified 
by the people in tho election of 1852, and rightly applied to the organi- 
zation of tho Territories in 1854. 

3. That by the uniform application of the Democratic principle to 
the organization of Territories, and tho admission of new States, with 
or without domestic Slav-^ry, as they may elect, the equal rights of all 
the States will be preserved intact, the original compacts of the Consti- 
tution maintained inviolate, and the perpetuity and expansion of the 
Union insured to its utmost capacity of embracing in peace and har- 
mony, every future American State that may be constituted or annexed 
with a republican form of government. 

Hesolved, That we recognize the right of the people of all the Territo- 
ries, including Kansas and Nebraska, acting through the legally and 



FRANKLIN PIERCE. 223 



fairly expressed will of the majority of the actual residents, and when- 
ever the number of their inhabitants justifies it, to form a Constitution, 
with or without domestic Slavery, and bo admitted into the Union upon 
terms of perfect equality with the other States. 

EesoJced, finally, That in view of the condition of popular institutions 
in the Old World (and the dangerous tendencies cf sectional agitntion, 
combined with the attempt to enforce civil and reHgious disabilities 
against the rights of acquiring and enjoying citizenship in our own 
land), a high and sacred duty is involved with increased responsibility 
upon the Democratic Party of this country, as the party of the Union, 
to uphold and maintain the rights of every State and thereby the Union 
of the States — and to sustain and advance among us constitutional lib- 
erty, by continuing to reeist all monopolies and exclusive legislation 
for the benefit of the few at tho expense of the many, and by a vigilant 
and constant adherence to those principles and compromises of the Con- 
stitution— which are broad enough and strong enough to embrace and 
uphold the Union as it was, the Union as it is, and the Union aa it shall 
be — in the full expression of the energies and capacity of this great and 
progressive people. 

1. Resolved, That there are questions connected with the foreign policy 
of this country which are inf'-rior to no domestic questi(fti whatever. 
The time has come for tho people of the United States to declare them- 
eeives in favor of free seas, and progressive free trade throughout the 
world, and, by solemn manifestations, to place their moral influence at 
the side of their successful example. 

2. Resolved, That our geographical and political position with refer- 
ence to tho other states of this continent, no less than the interest of 
our commerce and tho development of our growing power, requires that 
we should hold sacred tho principles involved in the Monkoe doctrine. 
Thnr bearing and import admit of no misconstruction, and should be 
applied with unbending rigidity. 

3. Resolved, That the great highway, which nature as well as the as- 
sent of States most immediately interested in its maintenance has mark- 
ed out for free communication between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, 
constitutes ono of the most important achievements realized by the 
Bpirit of modern times, in the unconquerable energy of our people ; and 
that result would be secured by a tim :ly and efficient exertion of the 
control which wo have the right to claim over it ; and no power on earth 
Bhould be suffered to impede or clog its progress by any interference with 
relations that it may suit our policy to establish between our Govern- 
ment and the government of the States within whose dominions it lies ; 
we can under no circumstance surrender our preponderance in the ad- 
justment of all questions arising out of it. 

4. Resolved, That, in view of so commanding an interest, the people 
of tho United States cannot but sympathize with the efforts which are 
being made by the people of CentralAmerica to regenerate that portion 
of the continent which covers the passage across the inter-oceanic isth- 
mus. 

5. Resolved, That the Democratic Party will expect of the next Ad" 
ministration that every proper effort be made to insure our ascendency 
in tho Gulf of Mexico, and to maintain permanent protection to the 
great outlets through whi:h are emptied into its waters the products 
raised out of the soil and the commodities created by the industry of the 
people of our western valleys and of the Union at large. 

Resolved, That the Administration of Franklin Piebce has been true 
to Democratic principles, and therefore true to the great interests of 
the country ; in the face of violent opposition, he has maintained the 
laws at home, and vindicated the rights of American citizens abroad ; 
and therefore wo proclaim our unqualified admiration of his measures 
and policy. 



224 TIIK PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

3. A new party, upon the dissolution of the Whig 
party in 1852, on account of its affiliation with the 
South, and the too eager participation of its Southern 
members in Congress to abrogate the Missouri Com- 
l^romise of 1820 in the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska 
bill, sprang into vigorous existence and denominated 
itself *' anti-Nebraska." It invited the co-operation 
of all men, irrespective of past political associations, 
with the curtailment of slavery in view, and very 
soon thereafter took the name of " Eepublican." 
Horace Greeley said that there was nothing violent, 
aggressive or sectional in its aims and motives, but 
that it dated back to 1784 and traced its paternity to 
Jefferson, a Southron and a slaveholder. It was fully 
organized for the State elections of 1854 and carried 
most of the free States under the influence of the 
Kansas-Nebraska bill, (passed May 24, 1854), but 
was less successful in 1856. The ''Eepublicans" 
held their first National Convention at Pittsburgh, 
Pa, February 22, 1856, and made arrangements for 
holding a nominating convention at Philadelphia, 
where tliey met for that purpose, June 17, and chose 
Col. Henry S. Lane, of Indiana, as chairman. 
Twenty-two States were represented by delegates. An 
informal ballot was first taken, which resulted in 
giving 359 votes to John C. Fremont, 196 to John 
McLean, 2 to Charles Sumner, and 1 to William H. 
Seward. The nomination of Fi-emont was thereupon 
made unanimous. An informal ballot was likewise 
taken for Vice President with the following result : 
William L. Dayton, 259 ; Abraham Lincoln, 110 ; N. 
P. Banks, 46 ; David Wilmot, 43 ; Charles Sumner, 



FR-^KKLIN PIERCE. 22? 

35 ; Jacob Collamer, 15 ; John A. King, 9 ; Gen. S. C. 
Pomeroy, 8 ; Thomas Ford, 7 ; Henry Wilson, 5 ; 
Cassius M. Clay, 4; Henry C. Carey, 3 ; J, R. Gid- 
dings, 2 ; W. F. Johnson, 2 ; and A. C. M. Pen- 
nington, 1. The nomination of William L. Dayton 
was then on formal ballot made unanimous. The 
convention then adopted the following declaration of 
principles, and separated with great confidence and 
unanimity of purpose : 

Thi3 Convention of Delegates, assembled in pursaance of a call ad- 
dressed to the people of the United States, without regard to past polit- 
ical dififerences or divisions, who are opposed to the repeal of the Mis- 
souri Compromise, to the policy of the present Administration, to the 
oxtensioQ of slavery into Free Territory ; in favor of admitting Kansas 
as a Free State, of restoring the action of the Federal Government to 
the principles of Washington and JeffersoH, and who purpose to unite 
in presenting candidates for the offices of President and Vice President, 
do resolve as follows : 

Icesolved, That the maintenance of the principles promulgated in the 
Declaration of Independence and embodied in the Federal Constitution 
ia essential to the preservation of our Republican Institutions, and that 
the Federal Constitution, the rights of the States, and the Union of the 
States shall be preserved. 

Resolved, That with our republican fathers we hold it to be a self- 
evident truth, that all men are endowed with the inalienable rights to 
life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and that the primary object 
and ulterior designs of our Federal Government were, to secure these 
rights to all persons within ita exclusive jurisdiction ; that, as our re- 
publican fathers, when they had abolished Slavery in all our national 
territory, ordained that no person should be deprived of life, liberty or 
property without due process of law, it becomes our duty to maintain 
this provision of the Constitution against all attempts to violate it for 
the purpose of establishing Slavery in any territory of the United 
States, by positive legislation, prohibiting its existence or extension 
therein. That we deny the authority of Congress, of a territorial legis- 
lature, of any individual or association of individuals, to give legal ex- 
istence to Slavery in any territory of the United States, while the pre- 
sent Constitution shall be maintained. 

Hesolved, That the Constitution confers upon Congress sovereign 
power over the territories of the United States for their government, 
and that in the exercise of this power it is both the right and the duty 
of Congress to prohibit in the territories those twin relics of barbarism- 
Polygamy and Slavery. 

Resolved, That while the Constitution of the United States was or- 
dained and established by the people in order to form a more perfect 
Union, esfablish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the 
common defense, and eecuro the blessings of liberty, and contains ample 
provisions for the protection of the life, liberty and property of every 
citizen, the dearest constitutional rights of the people of Kansas have 
been fraudulently and violently taken fr^m them— their territory has 

15 



226 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 



b^en invadod by an armed force— spurious and pretended legislative, 
judicial and executive oflacers have been set over them , by whose usurped 
authority, sustained by the military power of the Governnient, tyran- 
nical and unconstitutional laws have been enacted and enforced — the 
rights of the people to keep and bear arms have been infringed — test 
oaths of an extraordinary and entangling nature have been imposed, as 
>< condition of exercising the right of suffrage and holding office— the 
right of an accused person to a speedy and public trial by an impartial 
jury has been denied— the right of the people to be secure iu their per- 
Bons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches »and 
seizures has been violated — they have heed deprived of life, liberty and 
property without due process of law^ — that the freedom of speech and of 
the press has been abridged — the right to choose their representatives 
has been made of noeffect — murders, robberies and arsons have been in- 
stigated anil encouraged, and the offenders have been allowed to go un- 
punished — that all these things have |)een done with the knowledge, 
sanction and procurement of the present Administration, and that for 
this high crime against the Constitution, the Union and Humanity, we 
arraign the Administration, the President, his advisers, agents, sup- 
porters, apologists and accessories, either beforo gr after the facts, be- 
fore the country and before tho world, and that it is Gur fixed purpose 
to bring the actual perpetrators of these atrocious outrages, and their 
accomplices, to a sure and condign punishment, hereafter. 

Resolved, That Kansas should be immediately admitted as a State of 
the Union, with her present free Constitution, as at once the most effec- 
tual way of securing to her citizens the enjoyrnent of the rights and 
privileges to which they are entitled ; and of ending the-civil strife now 
raging in her territory. 

Resolved, That the highwayman's plea, that "might makes right," 
embodied in the Ostend Circular, was in every respect unworthy of 
American diplomacy, and would bring shame and dishonor upon any 
government or people that gave it their sanction. 

Resolved, That a railroad to the Pacific Ocean, by the most central 
and practicable route, la imperatively demanded by the interests of the 
whole country, and that the Federal Government ought to render im- 
mediate and efficient aid in its construction ; and, as an auxiliary 
thereto, the immediate construction of an emigrant route on the line 
of the railroad. 

Resolved, That appropriations by Congress for the improvement 
of rivers and harbors, of a national character, required for tho accom- 
modation and security of our existing commerce, are authorized by the 
Constitution, and justified by the obligation of government to protect 
the lives and property of its citizens. 

The remnants of the Whigs, in order to give their 
party a formal sepulture, met in National Convention 
at Baltimore — Edward Bates, of Missouri, presiding — 
Sept. 13, 1856, and by the following platform pledged 
their support to secure the election of Fillmore : 

Resolved, That the Whigs of the United States, now here assembled, 
hereby declare their reverence for the Constitution of the United States, 
their unalterable attachment to the National Union, and a fixed deter- 
mination to do all in their power to preserve them for themselves and 
their posterity. They have no new principles to announce ; no new 
platform to establish; but are content to broadly rest— whejo their 



FRANKLIN PIERCE. 227 



fathers rested— upon the Constitution of the United States, wishing no 
eafer guide, no higher law. 

/Resolved, That we regard with the deepest interest and anxiety the 
present disordered condition of our national affairs— a portion of tho 
country ravaged by civil war, large sections of our population embit- 
tered by mutual recriminations ; and wo distinctly trace these calami- 
ties to the culpable neglect of duty by the present national administra- 
tion. 

Resolved^ That the Government of the United States was formed by 
the conjunction in political unity of wide spread geographical sections 
materially differing, not only in climate and products, but in social and 
domestic institutions ; and that any cause that shall permanently ar- 
ray the different eections of the Union in political hostility and organ- 
ized parties founded only on geographical distinctions must inevitably 
prove fatal to a continuance of the National Union. 

Resolved, That the Whigs of the United States declare, as a funda- 
mental article of political faith, an absolute necessity for avoiding geo- 
graphical parties. The danger, eo clearly discerned by the Father of 
his country, has now become fearfully apparent in the agitation now 
convulsing the nation, and must be arrested at once if we would pre- 
serve our Constitution and our Union from dismemberment, and the 
name of America from being blotted out from the family of civilized 
nations. 

Resolved, That all who revere the Constitution and the Union, must 
look with alarm at the parties in the field in the present Presidential 
campaign— one claiming only to represent sixteen Northern States, 
and the other appealing mainly to the passions and prejudices of tho 
Southern States ; that the success of either faction must add fuel to the 
flame which now threatens to wrap our dearest interests in a common 
ruin. 

Resolved, That the only remedy for an evil so appalling is to support 
a candidate pledged to neither of the geographical sections nor arrayed 
in political antagonism, but holding both in a just and equal regard. 
We congratulate the friends of the Union that such a candidate exists 
in Millard Fillmore. 

Resolved, That, without adopting or referring to tho peculiar doc- 
trines of the party which has already selected Mr. Fillmore as a can- 
didate, we look to him as a well-tried and faithful friend of the Consti- 
tution'and the Union, eminent alike for his wisdom and firmness— for 
his justice and moderation in our foreign relations— for his calm and pa- 
cific temperament, so well becoming tho head of a great nation— for 
his devotion to the Constitution in its true spirit- his inflexibility in ex- 
ecuting the laws; but, beyond all these attributes, in possessing the one 
transcendent merit of being a representative «f neither of the two sec- 
tional parties now struggling for political supremacy. 

Resolved, That, in the present exigency of political affairs, we are 
not called upon to discuss the subordinate questions of administration 
in the exercising of the Constitutional powers of the Government. It 
is enough to know that civil war is raging, and that the Union is in 
peril; and we proclaim the conviction that the restoration of Mr. Fill- 
more to the Presidency will furnish the best if not tho only means of 
restoring peace. 

The Democrats in the October elections carried the 
States of Pennsylvania and Indiana, and thus removed 
all uncertainty about the result in November. The 
Republican j/arty at once entered upon a dangerous 



228 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS, 

rivalry ; for Buclianan lacked 377,629 votes of a pop- 
ular majority over Fremont and Fillmore. 



yil. riNANCIAL STATEMENT. 
In connection "with finances, it appears that a re- 
venue of three-fourths of the annual expenditures is 
sufficient for current expenses. This arises from the 
fact that the other fourth is kept floating and in the 
course of settlement is transferred to the following 
year. The imposts on exports and imports were about 
equal. AVhile the expenditures increased, there was 
a decrease of the public debt to the amount of $34,- 
166,792. 



Year. 


Public Debt. 


Expenditures. 


Exports. 


Imports. 


1853 
1854 
1855 
1856 


$67,340,628 
47,242,206 
39,969,731 
30,963,900 


$54,577,061 
75,473,119 
66,164,775 
72,726,341 


$230,976,157 
278,241,064 
275,156,846 
326,964,908 


$267,978,647 
304,562,381 
261,463,520 
314,639,943 



VIII. OUTLINE OP CONCURRENT EVENTS. 
The Crimean War : In a dispute between Kussia 
and Turkey, England joined France, (afterwards 
joined by Sardinia), in war against Eussia, March 27 ; 
The Allies— 25,000 British, 25,000 French and 8,000 
Turks— landed at Old Fort, Crimea, Sept. 14 ; Battle 
of Alma, Sept. 20 ; Siege of Sebastopol begun Oct. 
17 ; Battle of Balaklava, Oct. 25 ; Battle of Inker- 
man, Nov. 5, 1854. In September, 1855, the Allies 
entered Sebastopol and the war was ended by the 
Peace of Paris, March 30, 1856. 



CHAPTER XIII. 
THE ADMINISTRATIOIf OF JAMES BUCHANAN. 

Democratic, One Term, 1857 to ISQI. 



I. CABINET. 

PRESIDENT. 

1857. James Buchanan, Pennsylvania, 

VICE PRESIDENT. 

1857. John C. Breckinridge, Kentucky. 

SECRETARIES OP STATE. 

1857. Lewis Cass, Michigan. 

1860. Jeremiah S. Black, Pennsylvania. 

SECRETARIES OP THE TREASURY. 

1857. Howell Cobb, Georgia. 

1860. Philip F. Thomas, Maryland. 

1861. John A. Dix, New York. 

SECRETARIES OP "WAR. 

1857. John B. Floyd, Virginia. 
1861. Joseph Holt, Kentucky, 

SECRETARY OP THE NAVY. 

1857. Isaac Tousey, Connecticut. 

SECRETARY OP THE INTERIOR. 

1857. Jacob Thompson, Mississippi; 

POSTMASTERS GENERAL. 

1857. Aaron V. Brown, Tennessee. 

1859. Joseph Holt, Kentucky. 
1861. Horatio King, Maine. 

ATTORNEYS GENERAL. 

1857. Jeremiah S. Black, Pennsylvania. 

1860. Edwin M. Stanton, Pennsylvania. 



230 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

II. SENATORS ELECTED PRESIDENTS PRO TEM- 
PORE OF THE SENATE. 

1857. June, Benjamin Fitzpatrick, Alabama. 

1859. December, Benjamin Fitzpatrick, Alabama. 

1860. June, Jesse D; Bright, Indiana. 

1860. June, Benjamin Fitzpatrick, Alabama. 

1861. March, Solomon Foot, Vermont; 



III. SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- 
TATIVES. 

XXXV. Congress, James L. Orr, South Carolina. 

XXXVI. " William Pennington, New Jersey 



IV. THE EIGHTEENTH ELECTION. 

Popular Vote : For President, James Buchanan, 
Pennsylvania, 1,838,169; John C. Fremont, Cali- 
fornia, 1,341,264; Millard Fillmore, New York, 
874,534. 

Electoral Vote ; For President, James Buchanan, 
174; John C. Fremont, 109; Millard Fillmore, 8. 

For Vice President : John C. Breckinridge, Ken- 
tucky, 174; William L. Dayton, New Jersey, 109; 
Andrew J. Donaldson. Tennessee, 8. Total, 291. 
Thirty-one States voted. 

V. POPULATION AND REPRESENTATION. 
1860. Whites, 26,597,471 ; Free colored, 532,090; 
slaves, 3,953,760. Total, 31,443,321. 

The ratio of Kepresentation was determined at 
127,316, making the membership of Congress 242. 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 231 

VI. HISTORICAL EECOKD. 
March 4. Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated the fif- 
teenth President of the United States. He fore- 
shadowed the Dred Scott decision when he used the 
following words in his Inaugural Address : 

" The whole territorial question, being thus settled upon 
the principle of Popular Sovereignty — a principle as ancient 
as free govenrment itself — everything of a practical nature 
has been decided. No other question remains for adj ustment, 
because all agree, that under the Constitution, Slavery in the 
States is beyond the reach of any human power, except that 
of the respective States themselves wherein it exists. May 
we not, then, hope that the long agitation on this subject is 
approaching its end, and that the geographical parties to 
which it has given birth, so much dreaded by the father of 
his country, will speedily become extinct." 

March 6. Chief Justice Taney decided in the 
Dred Scott Case that slaves or other persons whose 
ancestors had been imported to this country and sold 
as slaves, had no right to sue in a Court of the United 
States. This decision nullified the Missouri Compro- 
mise of 1820 and denied the right of Congress to put 
any bars to the territorial difiusion of slavery. 

August 11. The Atlantic Cable parted in 2,000 
fathoms of water. The project was first entertained 
in 1853. 

August 24. A financial crisis occurred in the 
United States, which produced 5,123 failures, with 
liabilities amounting to $291,757,000 in the following 
month. There was a general suspension of specie 
payments by the banks of the country which was pre- 
cipitated by the bankruptcy of the ''Ohio Life and 
Mutual Insurance Company*" This crisis produced 
a great revival of religion and led to the organization 



232 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

of the Fulton street "Business-Men's Noon-day 
Prayer Meeting." 

November 9. The Lecompton Constitution, with 
slavery, was passed by a partial vote in Kansas, 

As an offsett to the Fugitive Slave Law, a number 
of free States, passed "Personal Liberty" bills, 
which granted trial by jury to fugitive slaves when 
arrested by their masters. 

1858. 

February 14. The Mormons" were defeated at Eco- 
Cannians, Utah, by United States Troops. Under 
the lead of Brigham Young there arose a conflict of 
authority with the United States Government, and an 
army of 2,500 men was sent out to enforce obedience 
to the new Governor. War was averted and Gov. 
Gumming, with the troops, was admitted to Salt 
Lake City. President Buchanan proclaimed a free 
pardon "to all for the sedition and treason by them 
committed." 

March 28. Nicaragua placed herself under the 
protection of the United States. 

April 10. Thomas H. Benton died at Washing- 
ton in his seventy-sixth year. 

April 30. The "English" Kansas bill passed 
Congress. 

May 11. Minnesota, the thirty-second State, was 
admitted to the Union. 

August 21. Lincoln and Douglas, as candidates 
for the United States Senate from the State of Illi- 
nois, engaged in seven joint debates, as follows : At 
Ottawa, August 21; Freeport, August 27; Jones- 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 233 

boro, Sept., 15; Charleston, Sept., 18; Galesburgh, 
Oct., 7 ; Quincy, Oct; 13 ; and Alton, Oct; 15, on 
topics of State and National importance. The Re- 
publican vote stood 126,084; Douglas Democratic, 
121,940 ; and Buchanan Democratic, 5,091 ; but on 
account of the unequal apportionment Douglas se- 
cured a majority in the Legislature and received the 
election of Senator. The great ability with which 
Mr. Lincoln conducted the argument gained him a 
national rejDutation. 

August 28. Telegrams from London, dated 
August 27, were received in New York. The sec- 
ond attempt to lay the Cable, which was made this 
year, had also failed — it parted after 142 miles of 
wire had been paid out. But the third effort proved 
successful and several messages passed between the 
President and Queen Victoria. Its completion was 
celebrated with great rejoicing, but unhappily the 
wire refused to work after these initial messages had 
been exchanged. 

1859. 

February 14. Oregon, the thirty-third State, was 
admitted to the Union 

June 30. The value of domestic gold received at 
the Mint and its branches was reported to be $470,- 
841,478.46; of this amount $451,310,840.26 came 
from California. The principal mint is located at 
Philadelphia, and its four branches respectively, at 
New Orleans, Dahlonega, Ga, Charlotte, N. C, and 
San Francisco. The Essay office is established at 
New York, Total coinage, $650,969,907.84. 



234 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

October 16. John Brown, with twenty comrades, 
seized the United States Arsenal at Harper's Ferry, 
Va*, and proclaimed freedom to all blacks in the 
vicinity. Col. Eobert E. Lee, of Viiginia, captured 
six of the band, including John Brown. These 
were tried on a charge of treason, and John Brown 
and two negroes were hung at Charleston, Va., De- 
cember 2. In the encounter, two of the insurgents 
were able to escape, and thirteen were kiUed ; while 
four of the attacking party were killed, 

November 30. South Carolina announced by res- 
olution of her Legislature, that she was ready to 
form with other States a Southern Confederacy. 

1860. 

June 22. The President signed a veto to the 
*' Homestead BiU." The Senate, on the 23d, failed 
to pass it over the veto and the bill was lost. 

July 6. Dr. Hayes sailed from Boston on an ex- 
pedition to the Arctic Regions. 

November 7. When the news, that Lincoln had 
been elected, was received in Charleston, S. C, 
cheers were given for the Southern Confederacy, and 
the " Palmetto Flag" was unfurled from the masts of 
vessels in the harbor. 

September 3. William Walker, as the result of 
a third attempt to gain ascendency in Central Amer- 
ica, was shot by order of Court-martial at Truxillo. 

November 10. South Carolina passed a bill for 
the equipment of 10,000 men, uud commanded an 
election of delegates to consider the necessity of 
immediate secession, James Chester resigned his 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 235 

seat in the United States Senate as member from 
South Carolina, 

November 11. Senator Hammond, of S. C, also 
resigned, 

November 18. Georgia determined to arm her 
citizens and appropriated $1,000,000 for that pur- 
pose. Major Anderson was sent to Fort Moultrie. 

December 1. An election of delegates to consider 
secession was ordered by the Legislature of Florida. 

December 3. Session of Congress. The Presi- 
dent denied the right of secession and affirmed the 
constitutional power to coerce a seceding State. 

December 5. The United States Treasury sus- 
pended specie payment. 

December 10. Secretary Cobb resigned as mem- 
ber of the Cabinet. Senator Clay, of Alabama, also 
resigned. 

December 13. The President opposed the plan of 
reinforcing Fort Moultrie, which was recommended 
in an extra meeting of the Cabinet. 

December 14. Secretary Cass resigned. 

December 18. The ''Crittenden" compromise 
measure was introduced and referred to a committee. 

December 20. The Convention of South Carolina 
passed unanimously the following act : 
AN ORDINANCE 

To DISSOLVE THE TJnION' BETWEEN THE StATE OF SoUTH 

Carolina and other States united with her under 

THH COMPACT ENTITLED " THE CONSTITUTION OP THB 

United States op America." 
We, the People of the State of South Carolina, in Convention 

assembled, do declare and ordain^ and it is hereby declared 

and ordained, 
That the Ordinance adopted by U3 in Convention, on the 



236 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

twenty -third day of May, in the year of our Lord one thou- 
sand seven hundred and eighty-eight, whereby the Contitu- 
tion of the United States was ratified, and also, all Acts 
and parts of Acts of the General Assembly of this State, 
ratifying amendments of the said Constitution, are hereby 
repealed; and that the union now subsisting between South 
Carolina and other States, under the name of " The United 
States of America," is hereby dissolved. 

December 22. The Senate Committee of thirteen 
rejected the ''Crittenden Compromise." It con- 
tained the following provisions : 

To renew the Missouri line of 36° 30'' : prohibit slavery' 
North and permit it South of that line ; admit new States 
with or without slavery, as their constitutions provide ; pro- 
hibit Congress from abolishing slavery in States, and in 
the District of Columbia so long as it exists in Virginia or 
Maryland ; permit free transmission of slaves by land or 
water in any State; pay for fugitive slaves rescued after 
arrest ; repeal the inequality of commissioner''s fees in Fu- 
gitive Slave act, and to ask the repeal of Personal Liberty 
bills in the Northern States. These concessions to be sub- 
mitted to the people as amendments to the Constitution, and 
if adopted, never to be changed." 

December 24. The Kepresentatives in Congress 
from South Carolina resigned their seats and returned 
home. The Convention, which continued its session 
at Charleston, adopted the following declaration to 
explain and justify secession : 

THE SOUTH CAROLINA DECLARATION OP 
INDEPENDENCE. 

The State of South Carolina, having determined to re- 
same her separate and equal place among nations, deems it 
due to herself, to the remaining United States of America, 
and to tho' nations of the world, that she should declare the 
causes which have led to this act. 

In the year 1765, that portion of the British Empire em- 
bracing Great Britain, undertook to make laws for the 
government of that portion composed of the thirteen Amer- 
ican Colonies. A struggle for the right of self-government 
ensued, which resulted, on the 4th of July, 1776, in a De- 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 237 

claration by the Colonies, "that they are, and of right 
ought to be, free and independent States, and that, as free 
and independent States, they have full power to levy war, 
to concludo peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, 
and to do all other acts and things which independent 
States may of right do." 

They further solemnly declared, that whenever any "form 
of government becomes destructive of the ends for which it 
was established, it is the right of the people to alter or 
abolish it, and to institute a new government," Deeming 
the government of Great Britain to have become destructive 
of these ends, they declared that the Colonies "are absolved 
from all allegiance to the British crown, and that all politi- 
cal connection between them and the States of Great Britain 
is and ought to be totally dissolved." 

In pursuance of this Declaration of Independence, each 
of the thirteen States proceeded to exercise its separate sov- 
ereignty ; adopted for itself a constitution, and appointed 
officers for the administration of government in all its de- 
partments — legislative, executive, and judicial. For pur- 
poses of defence, they united their arms and their counsels ; 
and, in 1778, they united in a league, known as the articles 
of confederation, whereby they agreed to intrust the admin- 
istration of their external relations to a common agent, 
known as the Congress of the United States, expressly de- 
claring, in the first article, <'that each State retains its sov- 
ereignty, freedom and independence, and every power, 
jurisdiction, and right which is not, by this confederation, 
expressly delegated to the United States in Congress assem- 
bled." 

Under this consideration the war of the Eevolution was 
carried on, and on the 3d of September, 1783, the contest 
ended, and a definite treaty was signed by Great Britain in 
which she acknowledged the independence of the colonies 
in the following terms : 

Article 1.— His Britiannic Majesty acknowledges the said United 
States, viz: New Hampshire Massachusetts Bay, Khode Island and 
Providence Plantation, Connecticut, New York, Now Jersey, Pennsyl- 
vania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina", South Carolina, 
and Georgia, to be free, sovereign, and independent States ; that he 
treats them as such ; and for himself, hia heirs, and successors, relin- 
quishes all claims to the government, proprietary and territorial rights 
of the same, and every part thereof. 

Thus was established the two groat principles asserted by 
the Colonies, namely, the right of a State to govern itself, 
and the right of a people to abolish a government when it 
becomes destructive of the ends for which it was instituted. 



238 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 



And concurrent with the establishment of these principles 
was the fact, that each colony became and was recognized by 
the mother country as a free, sovereign and independent 
State. 

In 1787,, Deputies were appointed by the States to revise 
the articles of confederation, and on September 17th, 1787, 
the Deputies recommended for the adoption of the States the 
articles of union known as the Constitution of the United 
States. 

The parties to whom the Constitution was submitted were 
the several sovereign States; they were to agree or disagree, 
and when nine of them agreed, the compact was to take ef- 
fect among those concurring ; and the general government, 
as the common agent, was then to be invested with their 
authority. 

If only nine of the thirteen States had concurred, the other 
four would have remained as they then were — separate, sov- 
ereign States, independent of any of the provisions of the 
Constitution. In fact, two of the States did not accede to 
the Constitution until long after it had gone into operation 
among tbo other eleven ; and during that interval, they ex- 
ercised the functions of an independent nation. 

By this Constitution, certain duties were charged on tho 
several States, and the exercise of certain of their powers 
not delegated to the United States by the Conslitation, nor 
prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States re- 
spectively, or to the people. On 23d May, 1788, South Car- 
olina, by a convention of her people, passed an ordinance 
assenting to this Constitution, and afterwards altering her 
own constitution, to conform herself to the obligations she 
had undertaken. 

Thus was established, by compact between the States, a 
government, with defined objects and powers, limited to the 
express words of the grant, and to so much more only as 
was necessary to execute the power granted. The limitation 
left the whole remaining mass of power subject to the clause 
reserving it to the State or to the people, and rendered un- 
necessary any specification of reserved rights. 

We hold that the government thus established is subject to 
the two great principles asserted in the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, and wo hold further that the mode of its forma- 
tion subjects it to a third fundamental principle, namely — 
the law of compact. We maintain that in every compact 
between two or more parties, the obligation is mutual — that 
the failure of one of the contracting parties to perform a 
material part of tho agreement entirely released tho obliga- 



JAMES BUCHANA.N. 239 

tion of the other, and that, where no arbiter is appointed, 
each party is remitted to his own judgment to determine tho 
fact of failure with all its consequences. 

In the present case that fact is established with certainty. 
We assert that fifteen of the States have deliberately refused 
for years past to fulfill their constitutional obligations, and 
we refer to their own statues for the proof. 

Tqe Constitution of the United States, in its 4lh article, 
provides as follows: 

"No person held to service or labor in ono State, under tho la-ws 
thereof, escaping Into another, shall, in conseqnenca of any law or 
regulation therein, ho discharged from any servica or lahor, but shall 
be delivered up, on claim of tho party to whom such service or labor 
may be due." 

This stipulation was so materiel to the compact that with- 
out it that compact would not have been made. The greater 
number of the contracting parties held slaves, and the State 
of Virginia had previously declared her estimate of its value 
by making it the condition of cession of the territory which 
now compose the States north of the Ohio River. 

The same article of tho Constitution stipulates also for the 
rendition by tho several States of fugitives from justice from 
the other States. 

The general government, as the common agent passed 
laws tD carry into effect these stipulations of the States. 
For many years these laws were esecuted. But an increas- 
ing hostility on the part of the Northern States to the insti- 
tution of slavery, has led to a disregard of their obligations, 
and tho laws of the general government have ceased to ef- 
fect the objects of the Constitution. The States of Maine, 
New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, 
Ehode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana, 
Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Iowa, have enacted laws 
•which either nulify the acts of Congress, or render useless 
any attempt to execute them. In many of these States the 
fugitive is discharged from the service of labor claimed, and 
in none of them has the State government complied with 
the stipulation made in the Constitution. The State of New 
Jersey, at an early day, passed a law for the rendition of 
fugitive slaves in conformity with her constitutional under- 
taking ; but the current of anti-slavery feeling has led her 
more recently to enact laws which render inoperative the 
remedies provided by her own law and by the laws of Con- 
gress. In the State of New York oven the right of transit 
for a slave has been denied by her tribunals, and the States 
of Ohio, and Iowa have refused to surrender to justice fugi- 
tives charged with murder and inciting servile insurrection, 



240 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

in the State of Virginia. Thus the constitutional compact 
has been deliberately broken and disregarded by the non- 
slaveholding States, and the consequence follows that South 
Carolina is released from its obligations. 

The ends for which this Constitution was framed are de- 
clared by itself to be "to form a more perfect union, estab- 
lish justice, insure domestic tranquil ty, provide for the com- 
mon defence, protect the general welfare, and secure the 
blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity." 

These ends it endeavored to accomplish by a federal gov- 
ernment, in which each State was recognized as an equal, 
and had separate control over its own institutions. The 
right of property in slaves was recognized by giving to free 
persona distinct political rights; by giving them the right 
to represent, and burdening them with direct taxes for three- 
fifths of their slaves; by authorizing the importation of 
slaves for twenty years, and by stipulating for the rendition 
of fugitives from labor. 

We affirm that these ends for which this government was 
instituted have been defeated, and the government itself has 
been made destructive of them by the action of the nou- 
slaveholding States. These States have assumed the right 
of deciding upon the propriety of our domestic institution?, 
and have denied the rights of property established in fifteen 
of the States and recognized by the Constitution ; they have 
denounced as einful the institution of slavery; they have 
permitted the open establishment among them of societies 
whose avowed object is to disturb the peace and to eloin the 
property of the citizens of other States. They have encour- 
aged and assisted thousands of our slaves to leave their 
homes, and those who remain have been encited by emisa- 
ries, books and pictures to servile insurrection. 

For twenty-five years, this agitation has been steadily 
increasing, until it has now secured to its aid the power of 
the common government. Observing the forms of the Con- 
■ stitution, a sectional party has found within that article 
establishing the executive department the means of subvert- 
ing the Constitution itself. A geographical lino has been 
drawn across the Union, and all the States north of that 
line have united in the election of a man to the high office 
of President of the United States, whose opinions and pur- 
poses are hostile to slavery. He is to be entrusted with the 
administration of the common government, because he has 
declared that that " government can not endure permanently 
half slave, half free," and that the public mind must rest in 
the belief that slavery is in the course of ultimate extinction. 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 241 

This sectional combination for tho subvereion of the Con- 
stitution has been aided in some of the States by elevating 
to citizenship persons, who, by the supreme law of the land, 
are incapable of becoming citizens, and their votes have 
been used to inaugurate a new policy hostile to the South, 
and destructive of its peace and safety. 

On the 4th March next, this party will take possession of 
the government. It has announced that the South shall be 
excluded from the common territory; that the judicial tri- 
bunals shall be made eectional, and that a war must be 
waged against slavery until it shall cease throughout the 
United States. 

The guaranties of the Constitution will then no longer 
exist ; the equal rights of the States will be lost. The slave- 
holding States will no longer have the power of self-govern- 
ment or eelf-protection, and the federal government will 
have become their enemies. 

Sectional interest and animosity will deepen the irritation, 
and all hope of remedy is rendered vain by the fact that 
public opinion at the North has invested a great political 
error with the sanctions of a more erroneous religious belief. 

We, therefore, the people of South Carolina, by our dele- 
gates in convention assembled, appealing to the Supreme 
Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, have 
solemnly declared that the union heretofore existing between 
this Stateand the other States of North America is dissolved, 
and that the State of South Carolina lias resumed her posi- 
tion among the nations of the world as a free, sovereign and 
independent State, with full power to levy war, conclude 
peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all 
other acts and things which independent States may of 
right do. 

And, for the support of this declaration, with a firm reli- 
ance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually 
pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred 
honor. 

December 26. Major Anderson, with 11 men, ab- 
andoned Fort Moultrie and occupied Fort Sumter, 
Buchanan refused to have intercourse with Commis- 
sioners from South Carolina, who were charged to 
negotiate for a division of public property and tho 
surrender of the forts of Charleston, 
16 



242 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

December 27. A revenue cutter, the "WiJlIam 
Aiken," was surrendered to South Carolina. 

December 28. The United States property and 
forts at Charleston were taken by South Carolina. 

December 29. Secretary Floyd resigned. 

December 31 . Commissioners were sent from South 
Carolina to arrange a Southern Confederacy with the 
other slave States. 

1861. 

January 2. Governor Ellis, N. C, took possession 
of Fort Macon, at Beaufort. 

January 4. Fort Morgan and the arsenal at Mobile 
were token by Governor Moore. Buchanan procla im- 
ed a fast-day, which was generally observed in the 
North. 

January 7. Alabama and Mississippi held State 
Conventions. Legislatures of Tennessee and Vir- 
ginia also assembled. Toombs, of Georgia, advocated 
secession on the floor of the United States Senate. 

January 8. Secretary Thompson resigned. North 
Carolina seized Fort Johnson, at Wilmington, and 
Fort Caswell on Oak Island. 

January 9. The *' Star of the West," sent from 
New York with provisions and 250 men for Fort 
Sumter, was fired upon by Carolina batteries and was 
compelled to return. Mississippi by a vote of 84 to 
15 passed the * 'Ordinance of Secession." 

January 11. Alabama, by a vote of 61 to 39, 
passed the ** Ordinance of Secession," and Florida 
by a vote of 62 to 7. Secretary Thomas resigned 
and was succeeded by Gen. Dix. The Governor of 
Louisiana took Forts Phillip and Jackson, (below 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 243 

New Orleans), Pike and Macomb, (on Lake Pon- 
chartrain), and the Arsenal at Baton Rouge. 

January 13. The Floiida troops occupied the 
Pensacola Navy Yard and Fort Barrancas. 

January 16. Arkansas called a Secession Con- 
vention. The surrender of Fort Sumter was de- 
manded of the President by Colonel Hayne, but his 
request was refused. 

January 18. Virginia appr opiated $1,000,000 for 
State defense. 

January 19. Georgia, by a vote of 208 to 89, 
passed the ** Ordinance of Secession." 

January 21, Members of Congress from Ala- 
bama resigned* Jefferson Davis resigned his seat as 
Senator. 

January 24. Members of Congress from Georgia 
resigned. The United States Arsenal at Augusta, 
Ga., was taken. 

January 26. Louisiana, by a vote of 113 to 17, 
passed the "Ordinance of Secession." 

January 29. Kansas, the thirty-fourth State, after 
a four years' struggle, was admitted to the Union as a 
free State. Gen. Dix sent to New Orleans the des- 
patch, '*If any one attempts to haul down the 
American flag shoot him on the spot." 

January 30. The Legislature of North Carolina 
submitted the question of secession, the first instance 
of the kind, to the people. Two revenue cutters 
surrendered to the South. 

February 1. Texas, by a vote of 166 to 7, passed 
the "Ordinance of Secession," and submitted the 



244 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

question to the people. The Mint and Custom 
House at New Orleans were seized. 

February 4. Delegates to organize the Confed- 
eracy met at Montgomery. A peace conference also 
convened at "Washington, over which ex-President 
Tyler presided, but nothing definite was reached. 

February 9. Jefferson Davis and A. H. Stephens 
were elected provisional President and Vice President 
by the Montgomery Convention. 

February 22. President Lincoln made a night 
journey from Harrisburg to Washington in order to 
escape an anticipated assassination at Baltimore. 

February 23. Gen. Twiggs handed over to the 
Confederacy United States property worth $1,200,000. 

March 1. Twiggs was expelled from the army. 
The Peace Congress adjourned. 

March 2. A revenue cutter was surrendered at 
Galveston, Texas. 

March 3. It was very generally believed at the 
outset that there would be no war. The New York 
Tribune gave expression to the cry of "No coercion." 
in the following words : "Whenever any consider- 
able section of our Union shall deliberately resolve to 
go out, we shall resist all coercive measures to keep 
them in." ^ut the long struggle for the balance of 
power in and out of Congress at last culminated in 
war, and its causes may now be enumerated : 

1. The contest for territory when Missouri applied 
for admission, with a slave constitution, in 1819, 
which was settled by the compromise of 1820— a 
drawn issue. 

2. The attempt of South Carolina to nullify the 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 245 

Tariff Act of Congress in 1832, whicli was prevented 
by the vigorous measures of Jackson and Clay's 
Tariff Compromise of 1833. 

3. The contest for territory which secured the an- 
nexation of Texas by war with Mexico in 1836-37 — 
a Southern triumph. 

4. The struggle for territory when California ap- 
plied for admission in 1850 with a free Constitution, 
which was decided by Clay's Omnibus Bill or a string 
of compromises— a drawn battle. 

5. The fight for territory in organizing the Terri- 
tories of Kansas and Nebraska which was made pos- 
sible by the abrogation of all past compromises, rein- 
forced by a decision of the Supreme Court in the 
Dred Scott case, which ended in the admission of 
Kansas as a free State — a Northern triumph. 

6. The election of Lincoln and Hamlin by the 
party of freedom — a Northern victory. 

The Southern supremacy seemed hopelessly lost, 
with no prospect of regaining it, or of holding it, if 
regained, by the pairing of free and slave States by 
future admission to the Union. Disunion was the 
only remedy and this could be attained only through 
war. 

VI. POLITICAL PARTIES. 
Recent events of great importance gave a peculiar 
turn to the political situation in 1860. The attack 
upon Charles Sumner in the Senate was regarded by 
many as a reflex of the spirit of slavery. The Dred 
Scott decision did not prove acceptable to many con- 
eistent slaveholding Democrats. And besides, the at- 



246 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

tempt of the administration to force the Lecompton 
Constitution upon an unwilling State, gave a new 
strength to the Republican party, and enabled it to 
carry the State elections of 1868 in Jjie North with 
increasing majorities. ' The struggle in Kansas also 
produced a division in the Democratic ranks, so that 
as a result, it required four parties to do full justice 
to these conflicting views. 

1. The first party to perfect its organization took 
the name of "Constitutional Union," and met in 
Convention at Baltimore on the 9th of May. John 
Bell, of Tennessee, received the nomination for Presi- 
dent on the second, and Edward Everett, of Massa- 
chusetts, for Vice President, on the first ballot. This 
party, represented by delegates from 20 States, proved 
to be the successor of the former American party. It 
adopted, without a dissenting voice, the following 
declaration of principles : 

WJiereas, Experience haa demonstrated that Platforms adopted by 
the partisan conventions of the country have had the effect to mislead 
and deceive the people, and at the same time to widen the political divi- 
Biona of the country, by the creation and encouragement of geograph- 
ical and sectional parties ; therefore, 

Resolved, That it ia both the part of patriotism and of duty to recog- 
nize no political principal other than the Constitution of the Coun- 
try, THE Union of the States, and the Enfoecement of the Laws, 
and that as representatives of the Constitutional Union men of tha 
country in National Convention assembled, we hereby pledge ourselves 
to maintain, protect, and defend, separately and unitedly, these great 
principles of public liberty and national safety, against all enemies at 
Lome and abroad, believing that thereby peace may once more be re- 
stored to the country, the rights of the people and of the States re- 
established, and the Government again placed in that condition, of jus- 
tice, fraternity and equality, which under the example and Constitu- 
tion of our fathers, has solemnly bound every citizen of the United 
States to maintain a more perfect union, establish justice, insure do- 
mestic tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the gen- 
eral welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our 
posterity. 

2. The Kepublicans assembled in National Con- 
vention at Chicago, May 16, and were represented by 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 247 

delegates from all the free States, and from Delaware, 
Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri, the District 
of Columbia, and the Territories of Kansas and Ne- 
braska. The delegation from Texas, which was ad- 
mitted, was found afterwards to be " bogus." David 
Wilmot was chosen temporary chairman, and George 
Ashmun, of Massachusetts, President. It was de- 
cided that a vote of the majority should constitute an 
election of candidates. On the 17th, the Convention 
adopted, with unbounded enthusiasm, its Platform of 
party principles. Ten thousand voices within the 
Wigwam, and twenty thousand voices on the outside 
and along the streets, rent the air with approbation, 
and reechoing the deafening chorus, presented a scene 
rarely equalled in the history of parties. The Con- 
vention, on the 18th of May, proceeded to the elec- 
tion of candidates. On the third ballot; Abraham 
Lincoln, of Illinois, received the necessary number 
of votes and was duly declared the candidate for the 
Presidency. Hannibal Hamlin, of Maine, received 
the nomination for Vice President on the second bal- 
lot. The convention closed its three days session by 
passing the following resolve, which Mr. J. R. Gid- 
dings, of Ohio, had offered : 

Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with these men who have been 
driven, some from their native States, and others from the States of 
their adoption, and are now exiled from their homes on account of 
their opinions ; and wo hold the Democratic party responsible for the 
gross violation of that clause of the Constitution which delares that 
citizens of each State shall be entitled to all the privileges and immuni- 
ties of citizens of the several States. 

The Republican Chicago Platform was adopted. 
May 17, 1860, and is as follows : 

Resolved, That we, the delegated representatives of the Republican 
electors of the United States, in Convention assembled, in discharge of 



248 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 



the duty we owe to our constituenta and our country, unite in the fol- 
lowing declarations : 

1. That tlie history of the nation, during the last four years, has 
fully established the propriety and necessity of the organization and 
perpetuation of the Eepublican party, and that the causes which called 
it into existence are permanent in their nature, and now, more than 
eTer before, demand its peaceful and constitutional triumph. 

2. That the maintenance of the principles promulgated in the Dec- 
leration of Independance and embodied in the Federal Constitution, 
" That all men are created equal ; that they arc endowed by their Crea- 
tor with certain inalienable rights ; that among these are life, liberty, 
and the pursuit of happiness ; that to secure these rights, governments 
are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent 
of the governed," is essential to the preservation of our Republican 
institutions ; and tliat the Federal Constitution, the rights of the States, 
and the Union of the States, must and shall be preserved. 

3. That to the Union of tho States this nation owes its unprece- 
dented increase in population, its eurpirsing development of material 
resources, its rapid augmentation of wealth, its happiness at home and 
its honor abroad and we hold in abhorrence all echemes for Disunion, 
come from whatever source they may ; and we congratulate tho country 
that no Republican member of Congress has uttered or countenanced the 
threats of Disunion so often made by Democratic members, without re- 
buke and with applause from their political associates ; and we denounce 
those threats of Disunion, in case of a popular overthrow of their ascen- 
dency, as denying the vital principles of a free government, and as an 
avowal of contemplated treason, which it is tho imperative duty of an 
indignant People sternly to rebuke and forever silence. 

4. That the maintenance inviolate of the rights of the States, and 
especially the right of each State to order and control its own domestic 
institutions according to his own judgment exclusively, is essential to 
that balance of powers on which the perfection and endurance of our 
political fabric depends ; and wo denounce the lawless invasion by armed 
force of the soil of any State or Territory, no matter under what pre- 
text, as among the gravest of crimes. 

5. That the present Democratic Administration has far exceeded 
our worst apprehensions, in its measureless subserviency to the exac- 
tions of a sectional interest, as especially evinced in its desperate exer- 
tions to force the infamous Lecompton Constitution upon the protest- 
ing people of Kansas; in construing the personal relation between 
master and servant to involve an unqualified property in persons; in 
its attempted enforcement, everywhere, on land and sea, through the in- 
tervention of Congress and of the Federal Courts of the extreme pre- 
tensions of a purely local interest ; and in its general and unvarying 
abuse of the power entrusted to it by a confiding people. 

6. That the people justly view with alarm the reckless extrava- 
gance which pervades every department of the Federal Government ; 
that a return to rigid economy and accountability is indispensible to 
arrest the systematic plunder of the public treasury by favored parti- 
sans, while the recent startling developments of frauds and corruptions 
at the Federal metropolis, show that an entire change of administration 
is imperatively demanded. 

7. That the new dogma, that tho Constitution, of its own force, 
carries Slavery into any or all of the Territories of the United States, 
is a dangerous political heresy, at variance with the explicit provisions 
of that instrument itself, with contemporaneous exposition, and with 
legislative and judicial precedent ; is revolutionary in its tendency, 
and subversive of the peace and harmony of the country. 

8. That the normal condition of all the territory of the United 
States is that of freedom ; That as our Republican fathers, when they 
had abolished slavery in all onr national territory ordained that " no 
person should be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 249 



process of the law," it becomes our duty, by legislation, whenever 
euch legislation is necessary, to maintain this provision of the Con- 
stitution against all attempts to violate it ; and we deny the au- 
thority of Congress, of a territorial legislature, or of any Individu- 
als, to give legal existence to Slavery in any Territory of the United 
States. 

9. That we brand the recent re-opening of the African slave-trade, 
under the cover of our national flag, aided by perversions of judicial 
power, as a crime against humanity and a burning shame to our coun- 
try and age; and we call upon Congress to take prompt and effi- 
cient measures for the total and final suppression of that execrable 
traffic. 

10. That in the recent vetoes, by their Federal Governors, of the 
acts of the Legislatures of Kansas and Nebraska, prohibiting Slavery 
ia those Territories, we find a practical illustration of the boasted Dem- 
ocratic principle of Non-intervention and Popular Sovereignty, em- 
bodied in the Kansas-Nebraska bill, and a demonstration of the decep- 
tion and fraud involved therein. 

11. That Kansas should, of right, be immediately admitted as a 
State under the Constitution recently formed and adopted by her peo- 
ple, and accepted by the House of Representatives. 

12. That, while providing revenue for the support of the General 
Government by duties upon Imports, sound policy requires such an ad- 
justmen t of these imposts as to encourage the development of the indus- 
trial interest of the whole country ; and we commend that policy of na« 
tional exchanges which secures to the working men liberal wages, to 
agriculture remunerative; prices, to mechanics and manufactures an 
adequate reward for their skill, labor, and enterpise, and to the na- 
tion commercial prosperity and independence. m 

13. That we protest against any sale or alienation to others of the 
Public Lands held by actual settlers, and against any view of the 
Homestead policy which regards the settlers as paupers or suppliants 
for public bounty ; and we demand the passage by Congress of the 
complete and satisfactory Homestead measure which has already passed 
the House. 

14. That the Eepublican party is opposed to any change in our Nat- 
uralization Laws or any State legislation by which the rights of citi- 
zenship hitherto accorded to immigrants from foreign lands shall be 
abridged or impaired; and in favor of giving a full and efficient protec- 
tion to the rights of all classes of citizens, whether native or natural- 
ized, both at homo and abroad. 

15. That appropriations by Congress for River and Harbor improve- 
ments of a National character, required for the accommodation and 
security of an existing commerce, are authorized by the Constitution, 
and justified by the obligations of Government to protect the lives and 
property of its citizens. 

16. That a Railroad to the Pacific Ocean is imperatively demanded 
by the interest of the whole country ; that the Federal Government 
ought to render immediate and efficient aid in its construction ; and 
that, as preliminary thereto, a daily Overland Mail should be promptly 
estabUshed. 

_ 17. Finally, having thus set forth our distinctive principles and 
views, we invite the co-operation of all citizens, however differing on 
other questions, who substantially agree with us in their affirmance 
and support. 

3. I'he National Democratic (Douglas) Conven- 
tion held its session at Baltimore, June 18, and 
spent several days in considering the credentials of 



250 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

contesting delegations. (The Democratic party had 
met at Charleston, S. C, April 20, but finding itself 
unable to agree, was compelled to adjourn. New 
York had sent two delegations, one selected by the 
State convention, and the other by district elections 
and headed by Fernando "VYood^ Tickets of admis- 
sion were issued to the " Soft" delegation, which was 
known to be favorable to the election of Judge 
Douglas. Two delegations likewise came from Illi- 
nois, and it being decided against the *'Hard"con- 
testents, it became evident that the Douglas faction 
would rule the convention, and after considerable 
skirmishing the South withdrew entirely, leaving the 
field in possession of the Douglas Democracy, which 
thereupon claimed to be " regular." The two-thirds 
rule was afiirmed, and 57 separate ballots were cast, 
in each of which Douglas fell a little below a two- 
thirds vote until May 3, when it adjourned and re- 
commended those States whose delegations had with- 
drawn to fill their places prior to May 18th.) On 
reassembling it was found that Senator Douglas in- 
creased in strength by the way in which the creden- 
tials of delegates were accepted, and thereupon, Mr. 
Eussell, Va., Mr. Lander, N. C, Mr. Ewing, Tenn., 
Mr. Johnson, Md., Mr. Smith, Cal., Mr. Saulsbury, 
Del., Mr* Caldwell, Ky., and Mr. Clark, Mo., an- 
nounced ** the withdrawal of the whole, or of a part, 
of the delegations from their respective States." The 
convention then proceeded to ballot for President and 
Vice President, and Stephen A. Douglas, of Illinois, 
was elected on the second, and Benjamin Fitzpatrick, 
of Ala., on the first ballot. The latter declining the 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 251 

honor two days after, the National Committee substi- 
tuted the name of Hon. Herschel V. Johnson, of 
Georgia. Thus after a protracted struggle was the 
ticket completed. 

The Cincinnati Democratic Platform of 1856 (see 
pages 220 — 223) was adopted at Charleston and 
Baltimore with the following explanatory resolutions : 

1. Resolved, That we, the Democracy of the Union, in Convention 
assembled, hereby declare our aiSrmance of the resolutions unan- 
imously adopted and declared as a platform of principles by the 
Democratic Convention at Cincinnati, in the year 185G, believing that 
Democratic principles are unchangeable in their nature, when applied 
to the eamo subject matters ; and we recommend, as the only further 
resolutions, the following : 

Inasmuch as differences of opinion exist in the Democratic party as 
to the nature and extent of the Powers of a Territorial Legislature, 
and as to the powers and duties of Congress, under the Constitution of 
the United States, over the institution of Slavery within the Ter- 
ritories : 

2. Resolved, That the Democratic party will abide by the decisions 
of the Supreme Court of the United States on the questions of Constitu- 
tional law. 

3. Resolved, That it is the duty of the United States to afford am- 
ple and complete protection to all its citizens, whether at home or 
abroad, and whether native or foreign. 

4. Resolved, Th&t one of the necessities of the age, in a military, 
commercial, and postal point of view, is speedy communication between 
the Atlantic and Pacific States : and the Democratic party pledge such 
Constitutional Government aid aa will insure the construction of a 
Kailroad to the Pacific coast, at the earliest practicable period. 

5. iKesolved, That the Democratic party are in favor of the acquisi- 
tion of the island of Cuba, on such terms aa shall be honorable to our- 
selves and just to Spain. 

6. Resolved, That the enactments of State Legislatures to defeat the 
faithful execution of the Fugitive Slave Law, are hostile in character, 
subversive of the Constitution, and revolutionary in their effect. 

7. Resolved, That it is in accordance with the true interpretation 
of the Cincinnati Platform, that, during the existence of the Territorial 
Governments, the measure of restriction, whatever it may be, imposed 
by the Federal Constitution on the power of the Territorial Legislature 
over the subject of the domestic relations, as the same has been, or 
shall hereafter be, finally determined by the Supreme Court of the 
United States, shall be respected by all good citizens, and enforced 
with promptness and fidelity by every branch of the General Govern- 
ment. 

4. The National Democratic (Seceders') Conven- 
tion, meeting first at Kichmond, June 11, adjourned 
to reassemble at Baltimore, where it finally convened 
at the Maryland Institute on the 28th of June. Full 
or partial delegations from twenty-one States were 



252 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

present. The organization was completed by choos- 
ing Caleb Gushing as its President. After reaffirm- 
ing the Charleston Platform, the Convention pro- 
ceeded to ballot for candidates, and John C. Breck- 
inridge, of Kentucky, and Gen. Joseph Lane, of Or- 
egon, were selected by the unanimous vote of all the 
delegates present, 105 in number. (The seceding del- 
egates at Charleston met at St. Andrew's Hall, 
elected James. A Bayard, Del.', as its Chairman, but 
did nothing besides adopting a platform and spend- 
ing four days in unsatisfactory talk. The Conven- 
tion then adjourned to meet in Richmond June 11th. 
In accordance with this motion, delegates assembled 
at Richmond in June, from Alabama, Arkansas, 
Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, South Caro- 
lina, Florida, the 2d Congressional District of Ten- 
nessee, and the 7th Electoral District of Virgmia. 
On the 12th it adjourned; on the 21st it reassem- 
bled, and so continued to adjourn and assemble until 
Breckinridge and Lane were nominated, when such 
of the delegates as had not joined the seceding con- 
vention in session at Baltimore, accepted the Breck- 
im-idge ticket and platform, and adjourned sine die.) 
The following Platform was adopted both at 
Charleston and Baltimore : 

Resolved, That the Platform adopted by the Democratic party at 
Cincinnati (see pages 220—223) be affirmed, with the following explana- 
tory Eesolutions : 

1. That the Government of a Territory organized by an act of Con- 
gress, is provisional and temporary ; and during its existence, all citi- 
zens of the United States have an equal right to settle with their prop- 
erty in the Territory without their rights either of person or property, 
being destroyed or impared by Congressional or Territorial legislation. 

2. That it is the duty of the Federal Government, in all its de- 
partments, to protect, when necessary, the rights of persons and 
property in the Territories, and wherever else its Constitutional author- 
ity exteuds. 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 253 

3. That •when the settlers iu a Territory having an adequate popu- 
lation, form a State constitution, in pursuance of law, the right of 
sovereignty commences, and, being consummated by admission into the 
Union, they stand on an equal footing with the people of other States ; 
and the State thus organized ought to be admitted into the Federal 
Union, whether its Constitution prohibits or recognizes the institution 
of Slavery. 

4. That the Democratic party are in favor of the acquisition of the 
Island of Cuba, on such terms as shall be honorable to ourselves and 
just to Spain, at the earliest practicable moment. 

5. That the enactments of State Legislatures to defeat the 
faithful execution of the Fugitive Slave Law are hostile in character, 
subversive of the Constitution, and revolutionary in their efifect. 

6. That the Democracy of the United States recognize it as the im- 
perative duty of this Government to protect the naturalized citizen in 
all his rights, whether at home or in foreign lands, to the same extent 
as its native-born citizens. 

Whereas, One of the greatest necessities of the age, in a Political, 
Commercial, Postal and Military point of view, is a speedy communi- 
cation between the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the Democratic party do hereby pledge themselves 
to use every means in their power to secure the passage of some bill to 
the extent of the Constitutional authority of Congress for the con- 
struction of a Pacific Railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific 
Ocean, at the earliest practicable moment. 

The supremacy of the Democratic party — the party 
which Jackson reorganized — lasted 32 years. Its 
domination was scarcely interrupted by the Whig elec- 
tion of Gen. Harrison in 1840, and of Gen. Taylor 
in 1848, The purpose of the South to secede when- 
ever the North should carry the presidental elections, 
was fully fixed, perhaps as early as 1850, but certainly 
in 1856. In October, of this year, a number of 
Southern Governors met at Raleigh, N. C, and held 
a secret meeting, in which it was resolved, if Fremont 
should be elected to seize and occupy Washington and 
prevent his inauguration. When Lincoln, therefore, 
was elected, that which had long existed in determina- 
tion was crystalized into a fact, and the Great Rebel- 
lion was at once inaugurated. The history of the 
Democratic party marks the fourth era in the political 
history of the United States. 



254 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

VII. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. 

The President, in his Inaugural Address, expressed 
the belief that "our present financial condition is 
without a parallel in history. No nation has ever be- 
fore been embarrassed from too large a surplus in its 
treasury." And yet, notwithstanding this assertion, 
the public debt increased, during his administration, 
^33,805,803. 



Year. 


Public Debt. 


Expenditures. 


Exports. 


Imports. 


1857 
1858 
1859 
1860 


$29,060,386 
44,910,777 
58,754,699 
64,769,703 


$71,274,587 
82,062,186 
83,678,643 
77,055,125 


1362,960,608 
324,644,421 
356,789,461 
400,122,296 


$360,890,141 
282,613,150 
338,768,130 
362,162,541 



VIII. OUTLINE OF CONCURRENT EVENTS. 

England : Mutiny in India — Surrender of Cawn- 
pore to Nanna Sahib and massacre of the British, 
June 25 ; Cawnpore retaken by General Havelock, 
July 17; Delhi taken by the English, Sept. 14-20; 
Capture of King of Delhi, Sept. 21, and his son and 
grandson slain by Col. Hodson, Sept. 22; General 
Havelock relieved Lucknow, Sept. 25 ; Sepoy rebels 
completely routed at Cawnpore by a British force of 
25,000, December 6, 1857. The King of Delhi 
sentenced to transportation for life, March 19 ; Luck- 
now captured by Sir Colin Campbell, March 21 ; 
Jhansi taken by Sir Hugh Rose, April 4 ; the gov- 
ernment of the East India Company ceased Sept. 1 ; 
the Queen of England proclaimed Sovereign of India 
and Lord Canning Viceroy, Nov. 1, 1858. 



CHAPTER XIY. 
ADMINISTRATION OF LINCOLN AND JOHNSON. 

Republican and Independent. Two Terms, 1861 to 1869. 



I. CABINET. 

PRESIDENTS. 

1861. Abraham Lincoln, Illinois, (assassinated April 

14, 1865.) 
1865. Andrew Johnson, Tennessee. 

VICE PRESIDENTS. 

1861. Hannibal Hamlin, Maine. 
1865. Andrew Johnson, Tennessee. 

SECRETARY OF STATE. 

1861. William H. Seward, New York. 

SECRETARIES OF THE TREASURY. 

1861. Salmon P. Chase, Ohio. 

1864. William Pitt Fessenden, Maine. 

1865. Hugh McCuUoch, Indiana. 

SECRETARIES OF WAR. 

1861. Simon Cameron, Pennsylvania. 

1861. Edwin M. Stanton, Pennsylvania. 

1867. Ulysses S. Grant, Illinois. 

1868. John M. Scofield, Missouri. 

SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

1861. Gideon Welles, Connecticut. 



256 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 
SECRETARIES OF THE INTERIOR. 

1861. Caleb B. Smith, Indiana. 

1863. John P. Usher, Indiana. 

1865. John Harlan, Iowa. 

1866. Orville H. Browning, Illinois. 

POSTMASTERS GENERAL. 

1861, Montgomery Blair, Maryland. 

1864. William Denison, Ohio. 

1866. Alexander W. Randall, Wisconsin. 

ATTORNEYS GENERAL. 

1861. Edward Bates, Missouri. 

1864. James J. Speed, Kentucky. 

1866. Henry Stanberry, Ohio. 

1868. William M. Evarts, New York. 



II. CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COUKT. 
1864. December, Salmon P. Chase, Ohio. 



III. SENATORS ELECTED PKESIDENTS PRO 
TEMPORE OF THE SENATE. 
1861. March, Solomon Foot, Vermont. 
1865. March, Lafayette S. Foster, Connecticut. 
1867. March, Benjamin F. Wade, Ohio. 



IV. SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- 
TATIVES. 

XXXVII. Congress, 1861, Galusha A. Grow, Penn. 

XXXVIII. " 1863, Schuyler Colfax, Ind. 

XXXIX. " 1865, Schuyler Colfax, Ind. 
XL. *' 1867, Schuyler Colfax, Ind. 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 257 

V. THE NINETEENTH ELECTION. 

Popular Vote : For President, Abraham Lincoln, 
Illinois, 1,866,352; Stephen A. Douglas, Illinois, 
1,375,157; John C. Breckinridge, Kentucky, 845,- 
763; JohnBeU, Tennessee, 589,581. 

Electoral Vote: For President, Lincoln, 180; 
Breckinridge, 72; Bell, 39; Douglas, 12, 

For Vice President, Hannibal Hamlin, Maine, 180; 
Joseph Lane, Oregon, 72 ; Edward Everett, Massa- 
chusetts, 39; Herschel V. Johnson, Georgia, 12. 
Total, 304. Thirty-three States voted. 



VI. THE TWENTIETH ELECTION. 
Popular Vote : For President, Abraham Lincoln, 
Illinois, 2,216,067; George B. McClelland, New Jer- 
sey, 1,808,725. Electoral vote : For President, Lin- 
coln, 213; McClelland, 21. For Vice President, 
Andrew Johnson, Tennessee, 213; George H. Pendle- 
ton, Ohio, 21 . Total, 234. Twenty-five States voted. 
The following States, on account of the civil war, did 
not vote: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, 
Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Caro- 
lina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. 



VII. POPULATION AND REPRESENTATION. 

1860. Whites, 26,957,471 ; Free Colored, 532,- 
090; Slaves, 3,953,760. Total, 31,443,321. The 
ratio of Kepresentation was determined at 127,316, 
making a membership of 242. 
17 



258 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS, 

VIII. HISTORICAL RECOKD. 
1861. 

March 4. The Inauguration of Lincoln and Ham- 
lin. The President's Address was devoted to an ap- 
peal for union, and closed with these words : "You 
can have no conflit^t without being yourselves the ag- 
gressors. You have no oath registered in Heaven to 
destroy the government ; while I shall have the most 
solemn one to * preserve, protect and defend it.' I am 
loath to close. We are not enemies, bat friends. We 
must not be enemies. Though passion may have 
strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. 
The mystic cords of memory, stretching from every 
battle-field and patriot grave to every living heart and 
hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell 
the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as 
surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature." 

Marcii 4. The Texas State Convention, (the people 
by a majority of 40,000 being in favor of it), declared 
that State out of the Union. . 

March 28. The Louisiana State vote for secession, 
(ayes, 20,448; noes, 17,296), was made public. 

March 30. By a vote of 78 to 7 the Mississippi 
Convention ratified tlie Confederate Constitution. 

April 3. The Convention of South Carolina, by 
a vote of 114 to 16 ratified the Constitution. 

April 4. The State Convention of Virginia re- 
fused to submit a secession ordinance to the people by 
a vote of 89 to 45. 

April 15. Lincoln issued his first call for troops 
(75,000 volunteers) and commanded the rebels to re- 
turn to peace within 20 days. 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 259 

April 16. The Confederate Government called for 
32,000 men. 

April 17. The Virginia Secession Ordinance was 
passed in secret session by a vote of 60 to 53 — to be 
afterwards submitted to the people. Jefferson Davis 
granted letters of marque and reprisal. 

April 19. The, ,7th Mass. Kegiment was attacked 
by a mob in the streets of Baltimore. Two soldiers 
were killed and seven wounded; The first bloodshed 
of the rebellion. The Southern ports declared by 
Lincoln to be in a state of blockade. 

April 29. The Legislature of Indiana voted $500,- 
000 for the purpose of State defence. 

;May 3. President Lincoln called for 3 years' men — 
42,000 Volunteers, 22,000 Kegulars, and 18,000 sea- 
men. 

May 6. The Arkansas Convention, by a vote of 
69 to 1 passed the "Ordinance of Secession." 

May 13. England proclaimed neutrality. 

May 20. North Carolina passed the "Ordinance 
of Secession." 

May 24. Col. Ellsworth was shot by Jackson, 
landlord of the Marshall House, Alexandria, for 
taking down the rebel flag. Jackson was immediately 
shot. 

May 30. Secretary Cameron declared slaves to be 
"contraband of war." 

June 3. Senator Douglas, in his 48th year, died 
at Chicago. "Tell them to obey the laws, and sup- 
port tho Constitution of the United States" — his dy- 
ing message to his eon. 



260 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

June 8. The Sanitary Commission was authorized 
and appointed by the Government. 

June 17. The Western part of Virginia, in Con- 
vention, voted its independence of the rebel section 
and proceeded to organize a State government of its 
own. 

June 24. Tennessee, by a popular vote of 104,- 
913 to 32,134 declared in favor of secession. 

June 26. President Lincoln acknowledged the 
Wheeling government as the government of Virginia. 

July 8. New York merchants subscribed a govern- 
ment loan of $5,000,000 in a few hours — the first war 
loan amounted to $250,000,000. 

August 2. A call for 500, 000 volunteers was issued 
August 15. Davis ordered all Northern men to leave 
the South within 40 days. 

September 11. Gen. Fremont's Emancipation 
Proclamation was modified by President Lincoln. 

November 1. Lt. Gen. Scott resigned as com- 
mander-in-chief of the Union armies — succeeded by 
Gen. McClelland. 

November 8. Mason and Slidell were taken from 
the mail steamer ''Trent," in the Bahama channel 
by Captain Wilkes, in command of the U. S. steamer 
•'San Jacinto." 

November 19. The Missouri Rebel Legislature 
passed the " Ordinance of Secession." 

November 20. Kentucky, in a State Convention, 
decided to secede. 

November 30. Lord Lyons was instructed to leave 
Washington within 7 days, unless Mason and Slidell 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 261 

gliculd be unconditionally released. Jefferson Davis 
was elected President of the Southern Confederacy. 

December 4. John C. Breckinridge was expelled 
from the United States Senate. 

December 20. Sixteen vessels of the *' Stone 
Fleet " were sunk in the main channel of Charleston 
Harbor. 

December 26. It was decided in a Cabinet Coun- 
cil to liberate Mason and Slidell. 

December 28. The New York Banks suspended 
specie payment. 

1862. 

January 21. Mason and Slidell sailed from Fort 
Warren, Boston harbor, in the British steamer 
Rinaldo. 

February 5. Jesse D. Bright, of Indiana, was ex- 
pelled from the United States Senate. 

February 22. Jefferson Davis was inaugurated 
President, and Alexander H. Stevens, Vice President 
of the Southern Confederacy. The following Cabi- 
net was appointed ; 

Secretary of State — Judah P. Benjamin, Louisiana. 
Secretary of War — James A. Seddon, Virginia. 
Secretary of the Treasury — Charles G. Memminger, 
South Carolina. 

Secretary of the Navy — Stephen R. Mallory, Florida. 
Attorney General — Thomas H. Watts, Alabama. 
Postmaster General — James H. Reagan, Texas. 

March 6. Lincoln proposed a plan of emancipa- 
tion with pecuniary compensation to those who should 
adopt the policy. 



262 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

June 9. The Senate passed a bill to abolish slavery 
in all the territories of the Union, 

July 1. President Lincoln decided to call for 300,- 
000 more volunteers. 

August 4. The Secretary of War ordered the 300,- 
000 men to be raised by draft in those States "whose 
quota had not been filled by volunteering. 

August 9 . The draft was enforced in several States, 
and traveling restricted to prevent persons from es- 
caping the draft. 

September 22. President Lincoln issued an Eman- 
cipation Proclamation, to take effect January 1, 1863. 

September 24. The President suspended the writ 
of Habeas Corpus, 

1863. 

January 1. The conditions of emancipation being 
confirmed, the President issued the following Procla- 
mation : 

Waereas, on the twenty-seco^d day of September, in the 
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty- 
two, a proclamation was issued by the President of the 
United States, containing among other things the following, 
to-wit, " That on the first day of January, in the year of 
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all 
persons held as slaves within any State, or designated part 
of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion 
against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and 
forever free ; and the Executive Government of the United 
States, including the military and naval authority thereof, 
will recognize and mantain the freedom of such persons, 
and will do no act or acts to repress such persons or any of 
them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom ; 
that the Executive will, on the first day of January afore- 
said, by proclamation, designate the States, and parts of 
States, if any, in which the people thereof, rsspectively, 
shall then be in rebellion against the United States ; and 
the fact that any State, or the people thereof, shall on that 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 263 

day ba in good faith represented in the Congress of the 
United States by members chosen thereto at elections where- 
in a majority of the qualified voters of such States shall 
have participated, shall, in the absence of strong counter- 
vailing testimony, be deemed conclusive evidence that such 
State, and the people thereof, are not then in rebellion 
against the United States:" 

Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the 
United States, by virtue of the power in me vested as com- 
mander-in-chief of the army and navy of the United States 
in time of actual armed rebellion against the authority and 
government of the United States, and as a fit and necessary 
war-measure for suppressing said rebellion, do, on this first 
day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight 
hundred and sixty-three, and in accordance with my pur- 
pose so to do, publicly proclaimed for the full period of one 
hundred days from the day first above mentioned, order 
and designate as the States, and parts of States, wherein the 
people thereof, respectively, are this day in rebellion against 
the United States, the following, — to-wit, Arkansas, Texas, 
Louisiana (except the parishes of St. Bernard, Plaquemines, 
Jefferson, St. John, St. Charles, St. James, Ascension, As- 
sumption, Terie-Bonne, Lafourche, Ste. Marie, St. Martin, 
and Orleans, including the city of New Orleans), Mississippi, 
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, 
and Virginia (except the forty-eight counties designated as 
West Virginia, and also the counties of Berkley, Accomac, 
Northampton, Elizabeth City, York, Princess Anna, and 
Norfolk including the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth), and 
which excepted parts are, for the present, left precisely as if 
this proclamation were not issued. And by virtue of the 
power, and for the purpose aforesaid, I do order and declare, 
that all persons held as slaves within said designated States, 
and parts of States, are and henceforward shall be free ; and 
that the Executive Government of the United States, includ- 
ing the military and naval authorities thereof, will recog- 
nize and maintain the freedom of said persons. And I 
hereby enjoin upon the people so declared to be free to ab- 
stain from all violence, unless in necessary self-defence ; 
and I recommend to them, that in all cases, when allowed, 
they labor faithfully for reasonable wages. And I further 
declare and make known, that such persons, of suitable con- 
dition, will be received into the armed service of the United 
States, to garrison forts, positions, stations, and other places, 
and to man vessels of all sorts in said service. And upon 
this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice, warranted 



264 THE' PRESIDENTS AND THEIPw ADMINISTRATIONS. 

by tho Constitution upon military necessity, I invoke the 
considerate judgement of mankind and the gracious favor of 
Almighty God. 
In testimony whereof, I bave hereunto set my name, and caused the 
seal of the United States to bo aflBixed. — Done at the city of Wash- 
ington, this first day of January, in the year of our Lord one 
thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of tho independence 
of the United States the eighty-seventh. 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 
By the President : 

William H. Sewaed, Secretanj of Stale. 

February 25. In. order to give uniformity to 
paper currency and banking laws, the present na- 
tional bank system was inaugurated. The act "was 
farther approved June 3, and under it the National 
Banks are now conducted. Their circulation is lim- 
ited to $300,000,000, which is secured by bonds held 
by the Treasurer of the United States. 

June 20. West Virginia, the thirty-fifth State, 
admitted to the Union. This section of Virginia 
maintained its independence and refused to secede. 

July 13. The great ''Draft Riot" broke out in 
Nev; York City and continued four days, with a sus- 
pension of all business and travel in the city. The 
colored Orphan Asylum and a number of other 
buildings were burned. Twenty-five of the police 
and militia were killed and wounded, and 150 of the 
mob. 

November 19, The National Cemetery at Gettys- 
burg was dedicated by solemn and impressive cere- 
monies. An Address was delivered by Edward Ev- 
erett. Abraham Lincoln, who "was present with his 
Cabinet, made the following remarks : 

" Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth 
upon this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and 
dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. 
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 265 

that nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endare. 
We arc met on a great battle-field of that war. We have 
come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting- 
place for those who here gave their lives that that nation 
might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should 
do this. But in a larger sense we cannot dedicate, we cannot 
consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The "brave men, 
living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it 
far above our power to add or detract. The world will little 
note nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never 
forget what they did here. It is for us, the living, rather to 
be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who 
fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather 
for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining be- 
fore us, that from these honored dead we take increased de- 
votion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure 
of devotion; that we here highly resolve that these dead 
Ehall not have died in vain; that this nation, under God, 
shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of 
the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish 
from the earth." 

December 26. During this year an Indian "war 
broke out in Minnesota, Iowa and Dacotah, led by 
Little Crow and other chiefs. The Sioux became 
dissatisfied with the traders and the non-payment of 
their bounty money, and took advantage of the civil 
war to settle their grievances. They fell upon the 
defenseless farmers and subjected the settlements to 
an indiscriminate slaughter. More than seven hun- 
dred whites were butchered and over a thousand 
compelled to flee from their homes. For a while, 
great terror reigned in those States, but Col. Sibley, 
of St. Paul, after a month's pursuit, captured over 
500 prisoners, and peace was restored by the capital 
punishment of thirty-nine of the chief leaders, who 
were hung on one scaffold at Mankato, Minn., De- 
cember 26. 



26G THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

1864. 

Febriiac7 1 , A Draft of 500,000 men was ordered 
by the President. 

March 1. Gen. Grant was nominated by the 
President Lieut. General of the Armies. This 
grade was revived Feb. 24, for the first time since the 
days of Washington, Gen. Scott having been such 
only by brevet. 

April 23. The Governors of Ohio, Indiana, Illi- 
nois, Wisconsin and Iowa offered to raise 850,000 
men for one hundred days. 

April 26. The hundred days' men were accepted 
by the Government and $20,000,000 voted for their 
payment 

June 13. Repeal of the Fugitive Slave Law. 

July. During this month paper money reached 
its greatest depreciaton, the quotation being 290. 

October 31. Nevada, the thirty-sixth State, was 
admitted to the Union. This is the third State — 
Texas and California being the other two — which has 
been formed from the territory acquired by the war 
with Mexico. 

November 25. The Hotels and Places of Amuse- 
ment in New York City were fired by Southern in- 
cendiaries, but fortunately the plot miscarried without 
loss of life or property. 

1865. 

February 4. Peace negotiations with Kebel com- 
missioners failed. Gold at Richmond 4,400. 
March 4. The reiuauguration of Lincoln as Pres- 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 267 

ideut. The following is his second Inaugural Ad- 
dress : 

FELL0T7 Countrymen : — At this second appearing to take 
the oath of the Presidential office, there is less occaaion for 
an extended address than there was at the first. Then a 
statement, somewhat in detail, of a course to be pursued 
seemed very fitting and proper. Now, at the expiration of 
four years during which puhlic declarations have been con- 
stantly called forth on every point and phase of the great 
contest which still absorbs the attention and engrosses the 
energies of the nation, little that is new could be presented. 

The progress of our arms, upon which all else chiefly de- 
pends, is as well known to the public as to myself, and it is, I 
trust, reasonably satisfactory and encouraging to all. With 
high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ven- 
tured. 

On the occasion corresponding to this four years ago, all 
thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war. 
All dreaded it ; all sought to avoid it. "W hile the inaugural 
address was being delivered from this place, devoted alto- 
gether to saving the Union without war, insurgent agents 
were in the city seeking to destroy it without war — seeking 
to dissolve the Union and divide the eflfects by negotiation. 
Both parties deprecated war, but one of them would make 
war rather than let the nation survive ; and the other would 
rather accept war than let it perish, and the war came. 

One-eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, 
not distributed generally over the Union, but localized in 
the Southern part of it. These slaves constituted a peculiar 
and powerful interest. AH knew that this interest was 
somehow the cause of the war. To strengthen, perpetuate, 
and extend this interest, was the object for which the insur- 
gents would rend the Union even by war, while the Gov- 
ernment claimed no right to do more than to restrict the ter- 
ritorial enlargement of it. 

Neither party expected for the war the magnitude or the 
duration which it has already attained. Neither anticipated 
that the cause of the conflict might cease witb, or even be- 
fore the conflict itself should cease. Each looked for an 
easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding. 

Both read the same Bible, and pray to the samo God ; and 
each invoke His aid against the other. It may seem strange 
that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance 
in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces; 
but let us judge not, that we be not judged. The prayers of 



268 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

both could not be answered. That of neither had been an- 
swered fully. The Almighty has his own purposes. " Woo 
unto the world because of offences, for it must needs be that 
offences come ; but woe to that man by whom the offence 
Cometh." If we shall suppose that American slavery is one 
of these offences, which, in the providence of God, must 
needs come, but which, having continued through his ap- 
pointed time, he now wills to remove, and that ho gives to 
both North and South this terrible war as the woe due to 
those by whom the offence came, shall we discern therein 
any departure from those divine attributes which the believ- 
ers in a living God always ascribe to him? Fondly do we 
hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war 
may soon pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue until 
all the wealth piled by the bondman's two hundred and fifty 
years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop 
of blood drawn with the lash, shall be paid with another 
drawn by the sword ; as was said three thousand years ago, 
so still it must be said, " The judgments of the Lord are true 
and righteous altogether." 

With malice toward none, with charity to all, with firm- 
ness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let U3 
strive on to finish the work we are in ; to bind up the na- 
tion's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the bat- 
tle, and for his widow and his orphans ; to do all which may 
achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves 
and with all nations. 

April 4. President Lincoln held a levee in Jeffer- 
son Davis' house at Richmond. 

April 14. President Lincoln was assassinated by 
J. Wilkes Booth. Willam H. Seward and son 
were stabbed by an assassin who under the pretence 
of bringing a prescription to the Secretary had gained 
entrance to his house. 

April 1 5 — " It has become my distressing duty to announce 
to you that last night his Excellency Abraham Lincoln 
was assassinated, about the hour of half-past ten o'clock, 
in his private box at Ford's Theater, in this city. The Pres- 
ident about eight o'clock accompanied Mrs. 'Lincoln to the 
theatre. Another lady and gentleman were with them in the 
box. About half-past ten, during a pause in the perform- 
ance, the assassin entered the box, the door cf which was 
unguarded, hastily approached the President from behind, 



ANDREW JOHNSON. 269 

and discharged a pistol at bis head. The bullet entered the 
back of his head and penetrated nearly tbrougb. The assassin 
then leaped from the box upon the stage, brandishing a large 
knife or dagger and exclaimed, ^sic semper tyranriisl^ and 
escaped in the rear of the theater. Immediately upon the dis- 
charge, the President fell to the floor insensible and continued 
in that state until twenty minutes past seven o'clock this 
morning, when he breathed his last." — Extract from a letter of 
Mr. Stanton to Charles Francis Adams, American Minister to 
England. 

Andrew Johnson was at once sworn in as the 
seventeenth President of the United States. 

April 26. Gen. J. E. Johnston surrendered with 
27,000 men. 

April 27. J. Wilkes Booth, the assassin of Lin- 
coln, was mortally wounded and captured. 

May 9. President Johnson, by Proclamation, de- 
clared the war ended. 

May 10. Jefferson Davis, in female disguise, was 
captured at Irwinsville, Georgia. 

May 24. Grand review of General Sherman's 
army at Washington. Davis indicted for treason. 
He was incarcerated at Fortress Monroe. 

May 29. President Johnson issued an Amnesty 
Proclamation. 

July 7. The conspirators, Harold, Payne, Atzerott. 
and Mrs. Surratt were executed at Washington. 

July 19. After several failures, at a cost of $6,- 
000,000, Cyrus W. Field, with indomitable courage, 
commenced again the work of laying the trans- Atlantic 
cable, from Valentia Bay, Ireland, to Trinity Bay, 
Newfoundland, a distance of nearly 1,700 miles. In- 
sulation ceased on the 29th, after 700 miles of wire 
had been paid out, but the cable was overhauled, and 



270 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

the defect having been cured, the work proceeded 
anew, until it suddenly parted, and three attempts to 
grapple it proving unsuccessful, the Great Eastern 
was compelled to return to Sheerness with the remain- 
der of the cable. 

July 25* A battle was fought with 1,000 Indians, 
who attacked Platte's Bridge Station, in the Indian 
Territory — they were repulsed. 

November 10. Capt Wirtz, of Anderson ville Jail 
and cruelty notoriety, was executed. 

December 18. Secretary Seward officially announ- 
ced the adoption of the XlUth amendment to the 
Constitution by a three-fourths vote of the States. It 
contained two sections as follows : 

Art. 13. Sec. 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servi- 
tude, except as a punishment for crime, whereof tho party 
shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United 
States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction. 

Sec. 2. CoDgress shall have power to enforce this article 
by appropriate legislation. 

1866. 

May 31. Col. O'Neil, at the head of a Fenian 
party, occupied Fort Erie, Canada. 

June 2. The Fenians were compelled to give up 
their project of securing the liberation of Ireland by 
operating against Canada for the time being by the 
defeat which they this day suffered. They acquired, 
however, some renown, in overpowering a regiment 
called the " Queen's Own." 

June 6. The President proclaimed an enforce- 
ment of our neutrality laws in regard to the Fenian 
invasion of Canada, and authorized Gen. Meade to 



ANDREW JOHNSON. 271 

employ force, if necessary, to secure obedience to their 
requirements. 

July 14. Congress authorized the President to 
place at the disposal of the authorities of Portland, 
Maine, tents, camp and hospital furniture, and cloth- 
ing for the use of families rendered homeless by the 
great fire of July 4th. 

July 16. The Second Freedman's Bureau Bill, 
providing for the establishment of a National depart- 
ment for the care and protection of the freedmen and 
destitute whites of the South, was passed over the 
President's veto by a two-thirds vote* 

July 25. The rank of General was created by an 
act of Congress. Salary, $400 per month. 

July 27. An act of Congress was passed for the 
admission of building material to Portland free of 
duty. 

July 29. **The Atlantic cable was successfully 
completed this morning " — extract from the telegram 
of Cyrus W. Field, Esq., to President Johnson. It 
required 1,864 miles of wire to connect Heart's Con- 
tent and Trinity Bay. The fleet then proceeded to 
'' fish up" the cable of 1865 from a depth of 2 l-6th 
miles, and after several efforts succeeded in splicing 
and paying out the entire cable, and making two com- 
plete connections between the two worlds. 

August 20. The President issued a proclamation 
restoring the right of habeas corpus and declaring that 
the insurrection which had previously existed in the 
seceding States was now at an end and was henceforth 
to be so regarded. 



272 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 
1867. 

January 7*8. The Bill to give the right of suf- 
frage to colored men of the District of Columbia, was 
passed by a two-thirds vote of the Senate on the 7th 
and of the House of Representatives on the 8th. 

March 1. Nebraska, the thirty-seventh State, was 
admitted to the Union. 

March 2. The Tenure-of-OfRce Bill was passed by 
Congress over the President's veto. Also a resolution 
of thanks to Cyrus W. Field, "for his foresight, 
courage, and determination in establishing telegraphic 
communication by means of the Atlantic cable, tra- 
versing mid-ocean and connecting the Old World with 
the New," was passed and the President was directed 
to secure a suitable gold medal as a present to Mr. 
Field in commemoration of his great services. 

May 13. Jefferson Davis was released on bail by 
the Chief Justice in the trial for treason held at Rich- 
mond — Horace Greeley becoming one of his bonds- 
men. 

June 24. Loyal Governments having been estab- 
lished in Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louis- 
iana, North Carolina and South Carolina, their repre- 
sentatives were admitted to Congress over the Presi- 
dent's veto. They were required to make oath that 
they had not borne arms against the United States. 
On this account, as but few of the leading men in the 
South could subscribe to this "iron-clad oath," their 
representatives were mostly men who had settled from 
the North after the war, and who, for this reason 
were designated as " carpet-baggers," 



ANDREW JOHNSON. 273 

July 19. A supplementary Keconstruction Bill 
was passed by Congress over the President's veto. In 
1865, during the recess of Congress, the President 
recognized the State Governments that had been 
formed in Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas and Louisi- 
ana, and proposed to readmit them to all the privileges 
of the Union on the ground that they have never 
legally severed their connection with the Union. In 
the other seceding States he appointed provisional 
governors. When Congress convened, it proceeded to 
disannul the President's Policy of Reconstruction, 
claiming that it alone had the right and the power to 
prescribe conditions for the readmission of the States 
which had been in rebellion. The President's power 
extended only to the execution of laws, not to framing 
them, or to urging upon Congress the enforcement of 
his policy. 

February 21. The President appointed Gen* Lor- 
enzo Thomas to act as Secretary of War * ' ad interim.' 
The breach between the President and Congress came 
to an issue when the latter, during the recess of Con- 
gress, attempted to remove Secretary Stanton from 
his office, in violation of the Tenure-of-Office Bill. 
The President, on August 5, 1867, sent a note re- 
questing Mr. Stanton to resign. To this, the Secre- 
tary replied : " Sir : Your note of this day has been 
received, stating that public consideration of a high 
character constrain you to say that my resignation as 
Secretary of War wiU be accepted. In reply, I have 
the honor to say that public considerations of a high 
character, which alone have induced me to continue 
18 



274 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

at the head of this Department, constrain me not to 
resign the office of Secretary of War before the next 
meeting of Congress." Seven days after this, Mr; 
Johnson suspended Mr. Stanton, and appointed Gen. 
Grant to act as Secretary ad interim. Gen. Grant 
having accepted the position, Mr. Stanton wrote the 
President, * ' I have no alternative but to submit to 
superior force." But when the Senate convened, it 
disapproved of the President's course, and on January 
13, 1868, reinstated Mn Stanton. Gen. Grant then 
notified the President, on the day following, that ' ' his 
functions as Secretary ad interim ceased from the mo- 
ment of the receipt of the within notice." But Mr. 
Johnson was not to be thwarted in this manner and 
he directed Gen. Thomas to take possession of the 
War Department. At this point, on the 22d of Feb- 
ruary, Gen. Thomas was arrested for violating the 
provisions of tlie Tenure-of-Office bill, and on the 
24th, the House voted that " Andrew Johnson, Pre- 
sident of the United States be impeached of high 
crimes and misdemeanors." After various delays, 
the trial began March 30, but the vote on the 11 ar- 
ticles of impeachment was not reached until the 16th 
of May, when it stood on the 11th article, 35 to 19 — 
one vote less than two-thirds. The Senate appointed, 
on the 21st, a select committee of three to examine if 
improper means had been used to bias the minds of 
Senators in deciding this cause, and on May 23, the 
vote having been taken also on the 1st and 2d articles, 
the President was declared "not guilty,'' and the 
Hjgh Court of Impeachment adjourned sine die. 
May 26. Secretary Stanton sent his resignation to 



ANDREW JOHNSON. 275 

the President iuforming him that he had left the De- 
partment in charge of Gen. E. D. Townsend. 

May 29. The Senate confirmed the appointment 
of Gen. Schofield by the following resolution : Re- 
solved, That the Senate advise and consent to the ap- 
pointment of John M. Schofield to be Secretary of 
War. The Grand Army of the Republic made pre- 
parations to observe Decoration Day. 

June 19. The Senate Bill of Thanks to Edwin M. 
Stanton was passed by the House. 

June 24. The treaty with China was ratified by 
the Senate. 

July 17. Congress voted an appropriation of S7,- 
200,000 in specie for the purchase of Alaska. Sec- 
retary Seward had concluded a treaty with Russia 
whereby that power transferred all her possessions in 
North America to the United States, on March 29, 
18G7. The Senate ratified this treaty on April 9, and 
on the 20th of June, 1867, a formal exchange and trans- 
fer of title was made. By this purchase about 550,000 
square miles were added to the public domain. 

The Indian war, which had been continued in the 
southwest. Southern Colorado, and Indian Territory, 
since 1864, was brought to a close in the fall of this 
year by the battle of the Wacheta, in which Black 
Kettle and many of his warriors were slain. 

July 21. It was resolved by the Senate, (the House 
of Representatives concurring). That the said four- 
teenth Article is hereby declared to be a part of the 
Constitution of the United States. The following is 
the text in full : 



276 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

Art. 14. Sec. 1. All persons born or naturalized in the 
United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are cit- 
izens of the United States, and of the State wherein they 
reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall 
abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the Uni- 
ted States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, 
liberty, or property, without due process of law, nor deny 
to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of 
the laws. 

Sec. 2. Representatives shall be apportioned among the 
several States according to their respective numbers, count- 
ing the whole number of persons in each State, excluding 
Indians not taxed. But when the right to vote at any elec- 
tion for the choice of electors for President and Vice Presi- 
dent of the United States, representatives in Congress, the 
executive and judicial officers of a State, or the members of 
the Legislature thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabi- 
tants of such State, being twenty-one years of age, and cit- 
izens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except 
for participation in rebellion or other crime, the basis of rep- 
resentation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which 
the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole 
number of male citizens twenty-one years of age in such 
State. 

Sec. 3. No person shall be a Senator or Representative 
in Congress, or elector of President and Vice President, or 
hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or 
under any State, who, having previously taken an oath as a 
member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, 
or as a member of any State Legislature, or as an executive 
or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of 
the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or re- 
bellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the ene- 
mies thereof But Congress may, by a vote of two-thirds of 
each House, remove such disability. 

Sec. 4. The -^falidity of the public debt of the United 
States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for pay- 
ment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing 
insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But nei- 
ther the United States nor any State shall assume or pay 
any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection against 
the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation 
of any slave, but all such debts, obligations, and claims shall 
be held illegal and void. 

Sec. 5. That Congress shall have power to inforce, by ap- 
propriate legislation, the provisions of this article. 



ABRAHAM I,INCOLN. 277 

November 23. Gen, Howard announced that the 
Freedman's Bureau, except the branches relating to 
edacatlou and collection of money due to soldiers, 
would be discontinued after January 1, 1869. 

February 19. Jefferson Davis and hisJSureties were 
released. 

February 26. The Capital of West Virginia was 
located at Charleston. 



YIII. ENGAGEMENTS OF THE REBELLION. 
1861. 

April 12. Bombardment of Fort Sumter. 

April 19. Riot in Baltimore. Three soldiers of 
the 6th Mass. Keg. were killed, and eight wounded. 
The troops fired on the mob and killed 11 and 
wounded quite a number. The first bloodshed in 
the civil war occurred on the anniversary of the 
Battle of Lexington. 

June 10. Big Bethel, Va. National repulse. 

June 17. Booneville, Mo. Confederate defeat. 

July 10. Laurel Hill, Va. Confederate defeat. 

July 11. Rich Mountain, W. Va. Union victory. 

July 21. Bull Run, Va. Union defeat. 

August 10. Wilson Creek, Mo. Confederate 
victory. Gen. Lyon killed. 

August 26-30. Forts Hatteras and Clark, N. C, 
captured. 

Sept. 10. Carnifex Ferry, Va. Rosecrans de- 
feated Floyd. 

Sept. 12. Cheat Mountain, Va. Union victory. 

Sept. 20. Lexington, Mo., taken by Gen. Price. 



278 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

Oct. 9. Santa Rosa Island, Fla. Union victory. 

Oct. 21. Ball's Bluff, Va. Col. Baker defeated 
and killed. 

Nov. 7. Forts Walker and Beauregard, S. C, 
captured by Com. Dupont and Gen. T. W. Sherman. 
Belmont. Mo., indecisive. 

1862. 

Jan. 19. Mill Spring, Ky. Zollicoffer defeated 
and killed. 

Feb. 6. Fort Henry, Tenn., captured by Com. 
Foote. 

Feb. 7, 8. The Roanoke Island expedition, N. C, 
— captured by Com. Goldsborough and Gen. Bum- 
side. 

Feb. 16. Fort Donaldson, Tenn., surrendered to 
Gen* Grant. 

March 7, 8. Pea Ridge, Ark. Confederate defeat. 

March 8. Hampton Roads, Va. Merrimac sank 
the U. S. war ship Cumberland, while the Congress 
ran ashore to escape capture. 

March 9. The Monitor engaged the Merrimac in 
Hampton Roads and drove her back to Norfolk — the 
Merrimac was blown up by the Confederates, May 11. 

April 6, 7. Pittsburgh Landing, or Shiloh, Tenn. 
Indecisive. 

April 7. Island No. 10, with 6,000 prisoners, 
taken by Gen. Pope. 

April 25. New Orleans, La., captured by Com. 
Farragut; taken possession of, by Gen. Buttler, 
May 1. 

May 5. Williamsburg, Va, Confederate defeat. 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 279 

May 27. Hanover Court-House, Va. Confeder- 
ate repulse. 

May 81- June 1. Seven Pines and Fair Oaks, 
Va. Confederate repulse. 

June 6. Memphis, Tenn., captured by the Union 
troops. 

June 26- July 1. Mechanicsville, Cold Harbor, 
Savage's Station, Frazier's Farm, and Malvern Hill, 
Va., the so-called seven days battles, — Gen. McClel- 
land in his advance on Kichmond was compelled to 
fall back. Confederate victory. 

August 5. Baton Rouge, La. Breckinridge de- 
feated. 

August 9. Cedar Mountain, Va. Banks defeated. 

August 30. Second Battle of Bull Run, Va. 
Pope defeated by Lee, who was invading the North. 

Sept. 14. South Mountain, Md. Union victory. 

September 15. Harper's Ferry, Va., surrendered 
with 10,000 to Gen. " Stonewall" Jackson. 

Sept. 17. Antietam, Md. * Lee defeated by 
Gen. McClelland and compelled to give up the 
invasion of the North. 

Sept. 19-20. luka. Miss. Confederate defeat. 

Oct. 3. Corinth, Miss. Confederate defeat. 

Dec. 13. Fredericksburg, Va. Burnside defeat- 
ed by Lee. 

1863. 

Jan. 3. Stone River, or Murfreesborough, Tenn., 
(from December 31, 1862.) Confederate defeat. 

* *' I made a eolemn vow before God, that if Gen. Lee was driven 
back from Maryland, I would crown the result by tbe declaration of 
freedom to theelaves." — President Lincoln. 



280 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

Jan. 11. Arkansas Post, Ark., captured by Com. 
Porter and Gen. McClernand. 

April Il-May5. Great Raids: — by Gierson in 
Mississippi, by Stoneman in Virginia, and by 
Streight in Northern Georgia, resulting in Streight'e 
defeat and capture. 

May 1. Port Gibson, Miss. Confederate defeat. 

May 1-4. Chancellorsville, Va , indecisive. 

May 12, Confederates defeated at Raymond ; May 
14, at Jackson; May 16, at Champion Hill; and 
May 17, at Big Black— all in Miss. 

May 27. Port Hudson, La., unsuccessfully as- 
saulted by Gen. Banks. 

June 30. Hanover Junction, Va. Union victory. 

July 1-4. Gettysburg, Pa. Lee, on his second 
invasion of the North, was defeated by Gen. Meade 
and compelled to retire. 

July 4. Vicksburg Miss., surrendered by Pem- 
berton, with 30,000 men, to Gen. Grant. Helena, 
Ark., Confederate defeat. 

July 9. Port Hudson, La., taken by Gen. Banks. 

July 10-18. Fort Wagner, S. C. Assaults re- 
pulsed — Confederate Victory — but was taken Sept. 6. 

June 24, July 26. Great raid of John Morgan 
into Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio, resulting in de- 
feat and capture. 

Sept. 20. Chickamauga, Ga. Gen. Rosecrans 
being defeated, withdrew to Chattanooga. 

Nov. 16. Campbell's Station, Tenn. Gen. Long- 
street held in check by Gen. Burnside. 

Nov. 17, Dec. 4. Knoxville, Tenn., besieged by 
Longstreet, but successfully defended by Burnside. 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 281 

Kov. 24. Lookout Mountain, Tenn., stormed by 
Gen. Hooker. Gen. Bragg was defeated in the 
'- battle above the clouds." 

Nov. 25. Missionary Kidge. A complete route 
of Bragg's army and the possession of Chattanooga, 
with the control of East Tennessee. 

1864. 

April 12. Fort Pillow, Tenn., captured and mas- 
sacred by Gen. Forrest, 600 Union men being killed 
and 100 wounded. 

May 5, 6. Wilderness, Va., indecisive. Grant 
still pushed on toward Spottsylvania Court-House. 

May 8, 12. Spottsylvania Court-House, Va., in- 
decisive. Gen. Grant again moved on to flank Lee 
on his right. During this fight he sent the famous 
despatch, "I propose to fight it out on this line, if it 
takes all summer." 

May 14, 15. Resaca, Ga., indecisive. 

June 1, 3. Cold Harbor, Va., Grant repulsed. 

June 16. Petersburg, Va., again attacked. 

June 19. In an engagement, lasting an hour and 
a quarter, at Cherbourg, France, five miles from 
shore, the Kearsarge totally destroyed the Alabama. 

June 21, 22. Weldon Railroad, Va. Union re- 
pulse. 

July 30. Petersburg, Va. Explosion of mine 
and U nion repulse. 

August 31, Sept. 1, Jonesborough, Ga. Union 
victory. 

Sept. 2. Atlanta, Ga«, captured by Gen. Sherman. 
As soon as Hood invaded Tennessee, he began to 



282 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

prepare for Lis great '* March to the Sea." He 
burned Atlanta and started November 16, with 60,- 
000 men. 

Sept. 19. Winchester, Va. Gen. Early was de- 
feated by Sheridan, and his forces sent ' ' whirling up 
the valley of the Shenandoah." 

Sept. 22. Fisher's Hill, Va. Early defeated. 

Oct. 6. Alatoona Pass, Ga. Hood repulsed. 

Dec. 14. Fort McAlister, Ga., taken. 

Dec. 15, 16. Nashville, Tenn. Hood defeated 
by Gen. Thomas. 

Dec. 25. Fort Fisher, N. C. Butler repulsed. 

1865. 

Jan. 15. Fort Fisher, N. C, taken by General 
Terry, together with 2,400 prisoners and 50 guns. 

March 31, April 1. Five Forks, Va. Lee de- 
feated, 

April 2, 3. Petersburg and Kichmond, Va., fu- 
riously assaulted early in the morning, evacuated by 
the Confederates at night, and entered by the Union 
troops early next morning. 

April 9. Gen. Lee surrendered his army at Ap- 
pomattox Court-House. "War continued four years 
less three days. 

April 12. Gen. Forest surrendered Montgomery, 
Ala., to Gen* Wilson. 

April 21. General Kirby Smith announced his 
ability to continue the rebellion. 

April 26. Gen. Johnson surrendered with his 
army of 27,500 men. 

May 1. Morgan's old command, about 1,200 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 283 

men surrendered to Gen. Hobson, at Mt. Sterling, 
Kentucky. 

May 4. Gen. Dick Taylor surrendered all his 
force, about 10,000 men, to Gen. Canby. 

May 13. Tiie last figlit of the war took place 
near Brazos Santiago, Texas, between Col. Barrett 
and Gen, Slaughter. Union loss 60 men. 

May 26. Gen. Kirby Smitb surrendered his 
army of about 20,000 men, and the rebellion as an 
organized resistance was closed. 



IX. POLITICAL PAETIES. 

Tlu'ee movements were inaugurated for dividing 
the suffrages of the loyal States. 

1. As a preparation for the Presidential elections 
of 1864, a call was issued "To the Radical Men of 
the Nation" to meet at Cleveland, May 31st. In re- 
sponse to this circular, about 350 persons met at the 
time designated, and nominated Gen. John C. Fre- 
mont and Gen. John Cochrane, for the offices of Pres- 
ident and Vice President. These both accepted the 
candidature, but subsequently withdrew from the 
field, it having been ascertained that there was little 
or no popular strength in sympathy with the move- 
ment. The following platform was adopted : 

1. That the Federal Union shall be preserved. 

2. That the Constitution and laws of the United States must bo 
observed and obeyed. 

3. That the Rebellion must be suppressed by force of arms and 
without compromise. 

4. That the rights of free speech, free press, and the habeas corpus, 
be held inviolate, save in districts where martial law has been pro- 
claimed. 

5. That the Rebellion has destroyed Slavery, and the Federal Con- 
stitution should be amended to prohibit its re-establishment, and to 
secure to all men absolute equality before the law. 

6. That integrity and economy are demanded at all times in the a4- 



284 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

ministration of the Government ; and that in time of war the want of 
them is criminal. 

7. That the right of asylum, except for crime and suhject to law, 
is a recognized principle of American liberty ; that any violation of it 
cannot be overlooked, and must not go unrebuked. 

8. That the national policy known as the •' Monroe Doctrine " has 
become a recognized principle ; and that the establishment of an anti- 
republican Government on this continent by any foreign power cannot 
be tolerated. 

9. That the gratitude and support of the nation are due to the 
faithful soldiers and the earnest leaders of the Union army and navy 
for their heroic achievements and deathless valor in defence of our im- 
periled country and of civil liberty. 

10. That the one-term policy for the Presidency, adopted by the 
people, is strengthened by the force of the existing crisis, and should 
be maintained by Constitutional amendment. 

11. That the Constitution should be so amended that the President 
and Vice President shall be elected by a direct vote of the people. 

12. That the question of the reconstruction of the rebellious 
States belongs to the people, through their representatives in Congress, 
and not to the Executive. 

13. That the confiscation of the lands of the rebels, and their dis- 
tribution among the soldiers and actual settlers, is a measure of 
justice. 

2, The Union Republican Party met in National 
Convention at Baltimore, June 7. Dr. Robert J. 
Breckinridge, Ky., was made temporary, and Gov. 
William Dennison, Ohio, permanent chairman. After 
some debate on the credentials of delegates, a decla- 
ration of party principles was reported by Hon. Henry 
J. Raymond, which was unanimously adopted as the 
platform of 1864. Mr. Lincoln having been nomi- 
nated by all the delegates, save those from Missouri, 
who designated Gen. Grant for Presidential candidate, 
his nomination was made unanimous. On proceed- 
ing to vote for Vice President, the first ballot gave 
this result : Andrew Johnson, 200 ; Daniel S. Dick- 
inson, 108 ; Hannibal Hamlin, 150 ; scattering, 59. 
Before the count was made final, the delegates began 
to change their votes, and the selection without farther 
balloting was given to Andrew Johnson of Tennessee 
by a vote of 494 to 26 for other parties. The follow- 
ing is the Republican or Baltimore platform : 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 285 



Resolved, That it is tho highest duty of every American citizen to 
maintain against all their enemies, the integrity of tho Union, and the 
paramount authority of the Constitution and laws of the United States, 
and that, laying asido all differences and political opinions, we pledge 
ourselves, as Union men animated by a common sentiment, and aiming 
at a common object, to do every thing in our power to aid the Govern- 
ment in quelling, by force of arms, the rebellion now raging against 
its authority, and bringing to the punishment, due to their crimes, 
tho rebels and traitors arrayed against it. 

Resolved, That we approve the determination of the Government of 
the United States not to compromise with Rebels, nor to offer them 
any terms of peace, except such as may be based upon an unconditional 
burrender of their hostility, and a return to their just allegiance to the 
Constitution and laws of the United States ; and that we call upon the 
Government to maintain this position, and to prosecute the war with 
the utmost possible vigor to the complete suppression of the Rebellion, 
in full reliance upon the self-sacraficing patriotism, tho heroic valor, 
and the undying devotion of the American people to their country and 
its free institutions. 

Resolved, That as slavery was the cause and now constitutes tho 
strength of this rebellion, and as it must be always and everwhere hos- 
tile to the principles of Republican Governments, justice and the na- 
tional safety demand its utter and complete extirpation from the soil 
of the Republic ; and that we uphold and maintain the acts and proc- 
lamations, by which the Government, in its own defence, has aimed a 
death blow at this gigantic evil. We are in favor, furthermore, of 
such an amendment to the Constitution, to be made by the people in 
conformity with its provisions, as shall terminate and forever prohibit 
the existence of Slavery within the limits or the jurisdiction of the 
United States. 

Resolved, That the thanks of the American people are due to the 
soldiers and sailors of the army and navy, who have periled their lives 
in defence of their country, and in vindication of the honor of the flag ; 
that the nation owes them some permanent recognition of their patri- 
otism and their valor, and ample and permanent provision for those of 
their survivors who have received disabling and honorable wounds 
in the service of the country, and that the memories of those who have 
fallen in its defense shall be held in grateful and everlasting remem- 
brance. 

Resolved, That we approve and applaud the practical wisdom, the un- 
selfish patriotism and unswevering fidelity to the Constitution and the 
principles of American liberty with which Abraham Lincoln has dis- 
charged, under circumstances of unparalled difficulty, the great dutien 
and responsibilites of the Presidential office ; that we approve and en- 
dorse, as demanded by the emergency and essential to the preservation 
of the nation, and as within the Constitution, the measures and acts 
which he has adopted to defend the nation against its open and secret 
foes; that we approve especially the Proclamation of Emancipation, 
and the employment, as Union soldiers, of men heretofore held in 
Slavery ; and that we have full confidence in his determination to 
carry out these and all other Constitutional measures, essential to tho 
salvation of the country, into full and complete effect. 

Resolved, That we deem it essential to tho general welfare, that 
harmony should prevail in the National Councils ; and we regard as 
worthy of public confidence and official trust those only who cordially 
endorse the principles proclaimed in these resolutions, and which 
should characterize the administration of tho Government. 

Resolved, That the Government owes to all men employed in its 
armies, without regard to distinction of color, th^ full protection of 



286 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

the laws of war ; and that any violation of these laws or of the nsages 
of civilized nations in the time of war, by the rebels now in arms, 
shonld be made the subject of full and prompt redress. 

Resolved, That the foreign immigration, which in the past has added 
so much to the wealth and development of resources and increase of 
power to this nation, the asylum of the oppressed of all nations, should 
be fostered and encouraged by a liberal and just policy. 

Resolved, That we are in favor of the speedy construction of the 
railroad to the Pacific coast. 

Resolved, That the national faith, pledged for the redemption of the 
public debt, must be kept inviolate; and that for this purpose we rec- 
ommend economy and rigid responsibility in the public expenditures 
and a vigorous and just system of taxation ; that it is the duty of every 
loyal State to sustain the credit and promote the use of the national 
currency. 

Resolved, That we approve the position taken by the Government, 
that the people of the United States can never regard with indifference 
the attempt of any European power to overthrow by force, or to sup- 
plant by fraud, the institutions of any Republican government on the 
Western Continent, and that they will view with extreme jealousy, aa 
menacing to the peace and independence of this our country, the efforts 
of any such power to obtain new footholds for monarchical govern- 
ments sustained by a foreign militai-y force in near proximity to the 
United States. 

3. The Democracy of the North held its conven- 
tion at Chicago, August 29, 1 864. It had been called, 
at first, to meet at that city on the 4th of July, but 
in June, for some reason, the time of meeting was 
postponed. It organized by electing Gov. Horatio 
Seymour, of New York as its presiding ofiicer, and 
was represented by delegates from all the States ex- 
cept those actually in rebellion. The committee on 
resolutions, of which Hon. James Guthrie. Ky., was 
chairman, and C. L. Vallandigham a controlling mem- 
ber, reported the principles of party faith for the next 
campaign, which were immediately adopted as the 
Democratic platform. 

The selection of candidates being next in order, the 
1st ballot showed a preference for Gen. McClelland 
by a vote of 162 delegates to 64 for others, and the 
delegations having at once changed their votes the 
final result was declared to be, for Gen. George B. 
McClellan, 202J ; for Thomas H. Seymour, Ct , 23i 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 287 

The nomination of Gen. McClelland as Presiden- 
tial candidate, was then, upon motion, made unani- 
mous. On balloting for Vice President, the first vote 
gave 65 J to James Guthrie, 54 J to George H, Pendle- 
ton, of Ohio, 321 to Gov. Powell, of Ky., 26 to Geo. 
W. Cass, of Pa. ^ and 47 J scattering. The ''Peace" 
men then centered their support upon Mr. Pendleton, 
who now received the unanimous vote of the Con- 
vention. 

In adjourning it was provided, that another meet- 
ing might be called in case of necessity. 

The following is the Democratic or Chicago plat- 
form : 

Resolved, That in the future, as in the past, we will adhere with un- 
swerving fidelity to the Union under the Constitution as the only solid 
foundation of our strength, security and happiness as a people, and as 
a frame work of government equally conducive to the welfare and pros- 
perity of all the States, both Northern and Southern. 

Resolved, That this Convention does explicitly declare, as the sense 
of the American people, that after four years of failure to restore the 
Union by the experiment of war, during which, under the pretense of 
a military necessity of a war power higher than the Constitution, the 
Constitution itself has been disregarded in every part, and public lib- 
erty and private right alike trodden down, and the material prosperity 
of the country essentially impaired, justice, humanity, liberty and the 
public welfare demand that immediate efiforts be made for a cessation 
of hostilities with a view to an ultimate Convention of all the States, 
or other peaceable means, to the end that at the earliest practicable 
moment, peace may be restored on the basis of the Federal Union of 
the States. 

Resolved, That the direct interference of the military authorities of 
the United States in the recent elections held in Kentucky, Maryland, 
Missouri, and Delaware, was a shameful violation of the Constitution 
and the repetition of such acts in the approaching election will be held 
as revolutionary, and resisted with all the means and power under our 
control. 

Resolved, That the aim and object of the Democratic party is to pre- 
serve the Federal Union and the rights of the States unimpaired ; and 
they hereby declare that they consider the administrative usurpation 
of extraordinary and dangerous powers not granted by the Constitu- 
tion, the subversion of the civil by military law in States not in insur- 
rection, the arbitrary military arrest, imprisonment, trial and sentence 
of American citizens in States where the civil law exists in full force, 
the suppression of freedom of speech and of the press, the denial of 
the right of asylum, the open and avowed disregard of State rights, 
the employment of unusual test oaths, and the interference with, and 
denial of the right of the people to bear arras as calculated to pevent a 
restoration pf the Union and the perpetuation of a government deriv- 
ing its just powers from the consent of the governed. 



288 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

Resolved, That the shameful disregard of tho Administration to its 
duty, in respect to our fellow-citizes, who now and long have been 
prisoners of war in a suffering condition, deserve the severest reproba- 
tion on the score alike of public interest and common humanity. 

Resolved, That the sympathy of the Democratic party is heartily and 
earnestly extended to the soldiery of our army who are and have been 
in the field and on the sea, under the flag of our country, and in the 
event of our attaining power, they will receive all the care,^nd pro- 
tection, regard and kindness, that the brave soldiers of the xtepublic 
have so nobly earned. 

THE ELECTION OF 1868. 
The Union Republican Party met in National 
Convention at Crosby's Opera House in Chicago, 
May 20, and selected Gen. Schurz as temporary, and 
Gen. Joseph R. Hawley as permanent Chairman. 
Hon. Richard W. Thompson, of Indiana, as chair- 
man of the Committee on Resolutions, reported a 
declaration of party principles, consisting of 12 planks, 
which was unanimously adopted. Gen. Schurz moved 
as an addition, the planks numbered 13 and 14, and 
these were, with great unanimity incorporated into 
the Platform. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, of Illinois, 
was the unanimous choice of the Convention as its 
nominee for President, and Hon. Schuyler Colfax of 
Indiana was elected on the 5th ballot as the candidate 
for the Vice Presidency. The chief competitors of 
Mr. Colfax were Senators Benj. F. Wade, and Rob- 
ert E. Fenton. The following platform was adopted : 

The National Republican party of the United States, assembled la 
National Convention in the city of Chicago, on the 21st day of May, 
1866, make the following declaration of principles : 

1. We congratulate the country on the assured success of the re- 
construction policy of Congress, as evidenced by the adoption, in tho 
majority of the States lately in rebellion, of constitutions securing 
equal civil and political rights to all ; and it is the duty of the govern- 
ment to sustain those institutions and to prevent the people of such 
States from being remitted to a state of anarchy. 

2. The guarantee by Congress of equal suffrage to all loyal men 
at the South was demanded by every consideration of public safety, of 
gratitude and of justice, and must be maintained ; while the question 
of suffrage in all the loyal States properly belongs to the people of those 
States. 

8. We denounce all forms of repudiation as a national crime; and 



ANDREW JOHNSON. 289 

the national honor requires the payment of the public iadebtedneas in 
the uttermost good faith to all creditors at home and abroad, not only 
according to the letter, but the spirit of the laws under which it was 
contracted. 

4. It is due to the labor of the nation that taxation should be equal- 
ized, and reduced as rapidly as the national faith will permit. 

5. The national debt, contracted as it has been for the preservation 
of the Union for all time to come, should be extended over a fair period 
for redemption ; and it is the duty of Congress to reduce the rate of in- 
terest thereon, whenever it can be honestly done. 

6. That the best policy to diminish our burden of debt is to so im- 
prove our credit that capitalists will seek to loan us money at lower 
rates of interest than wc now pay, and must continue to pay so long 
as repudiation, partial or total, open or covert, is threatened or sus- 
pected. 

7. The Government of the United States should be administered 
with the strictest economy ; and the corruptions which have been so 
shamefully nursed and fostered by Andrew Johnson call loudly for rad- 
ical reform. 

8. Wc profoundly deplore the untimely and tragic death of Abra- 
ham Lincoln, and regret the accession to the Presidency of Andrew 
Johnson, who has acted treacherously to the people who elected him 
and the cause he was pledged to support ; who has usurped high legisla- 
tive and judicial functions; who has refused to execute the laws; 
who has used his high oflSce to induce other officers to ignore and violate 
tho laws ; who has employed his executive powers to render insecure 
the property, the peace, liberty and life, of the citizen ; who has abused 
the pardoning power ; who has denounced the national legislature as 
unconstitutional ; who has persistently and corruptly resisted, by every 
means in his power, every proper attempt at the reconstruction of the 
States lately in rebellion ; who has perverted the public patronage into 
an engine of wholesale corruption ; and who has been justly impeached 
for high crimes and misdemeanors, and properly pronounced guiltj 
thereof by the vote of thirty-five Senators. 

9. The doctrine of Groat Britain and other European powers, that 
because a man is once a subject, he is always so, must bo resisted at ev- 
ery hazard by the United States, as a relic of feudal times not author- 
ized by the laws of nations, and at war with our national honor and 
independence. Naturalized citizens are entitled to protection in all 
their rights of citizenship as though they were native born ; and no 
citizen of the United States, native ar naturalized, must be liable to 
arrest and imprisonment by any foreign power for acts done or words 
spoken in this country ; and, if so arrested and imprisoned, it is the 
duty of the Government to interfere in his behalf. 

10. Of all who were faithful in the trials of the late war, there 
wero none entitled to more especial honor than the brave soldiers and 
seamen who endured the hardships of campaign and cruise, and imper- 
riled their lives in the service of the country ; the bounties and pensions 
provided by the laws for these brave defenders of the nation are ob- 
ligations never to be forgotten ; the widows and orphans of the gallant 
dead are the wards of the people— a sacred legacy bequeathed to the na- 
tions's protecting care. 

11. Foreign immigration, which in the past has added so much to 
the wealth, development, and resourceg, and increase of power to this 
republic, the asylum of the oppressed of all nations, should be fostered 
and encouraged by a liberal and just policy. 

12. This convention declares itself in sympathy with all oppressed 
people struggling for their rights. 

13 That we highly commend the spirit of magnanimity and forbear- 
ance with which men who have served in the rebellion, but who now 
frankly and honestly co-operate with as in restoring the peace of tha 

19 



290 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

country and reconstructing the Southern State governments upon the 
basis of impartial justice and equal rights, are received back into the 
communion of the loyal people ; and we favor the removal of the dis- 
qualifications and restrictions imposed upon the late rebels in the 
same measure as the spirit of disloyalty -will die out, and as may bo 
consistent with the safety of the loyal people. 

14. That wo recognize the great principles laid down in the immor- 
tal Declaration of Independance, as the true foundation of democratic 
government ; and we hail with gladness every effort toward making 
these principles a living reality on every inch of American soil. 

2. The Democratic Party held its National Con- 
vention in Tammany Hall, New York City, on the 
4th of July. Hon. Henry L. Palmer, of Wisconsin, 
was made temporary, and Hon. Horatio Seymour, of 
New York, permanent presiding officer. The party 
platform was adopted on the 7th, and the selection of 
candidates took place on the 9th, when the convention 
adjourned. Gov. Horatio Seymour, much against his 
idll, was selected on the 22d, and Gen. Frank P. 
Blair, unanimously on the first ballot. The following 
platform was adopted : 

The Democratic Party, in National Convention assembled, reposing 
its trust in the intelligence, patriotism, and discriminating justice of 
the people, standing upon the Constitution as the foundation and lim- 
itation of the powers of the Government, and the guarantee of the 
liberties of the citizen, and recognizing the questions ofsalveryand 
secession as having been settled, for all time to come, by the war or the 
voluntary action of the Southern States in constitutional conventions 
assembled, and never to be renewed or re-agitated, do with the return of 
peace, demand : 

1. Immediate restoration of all the States to their rights in the 
Union under the Constitution, and of civil government to the Ameri- 
can people. 

2. Amnesty for all past political offences and the regulation of the 
elective franchise in the States by their citizens. 

3. Payment of the public debt of the United States as rapidly as 
practicable; all moneys drawn from the people t)y taxation, except so 
much as is requisite for the necessities of the Government, economi- 
cally administered, being honestly applied to such payment, and where 
the obligations of the Government do not expressly state upon their 
fiice, or the law under which they were issued does not provide that 
they shall be paid in coin, they ought, in right and in justice, to be paid 
in the lawful money of the United States. 

4. Equal taxation of every species of property according to its real 
value, including Government bonds and other public securities. 

5. One currency for the Government and tbe people, the laborer 
and the oflBce-holder, the pensioner and the soldier, the producer and 
the bondholder. 

6. Economy in the administration of the Government; the reduc 
tion of the standing army and navy ; the abolition of the Freedmen's 



ANDREW JOHNSON. 291 

Bnrean and all political instrumentalities designed to secure ne- 
gro supremacy; simplification of the system and discontinuance of in- 
quisitorial modes of assessing and collecting internal revenue, so that 
the burden of taxation may be equalized and lessened ; the credit of the 
Government and the currency made good ; the repeal of all enactments 
for enrolling the State militia into national forces in time of peace; 
and a tariff for revenue upon foreign imports, and such equal taxation 
under the internal revenue laws as will afford incidental protection to 
domestic manufactures, and as will, without impairing the revenue, 
impose the least burden upon and best promote and encourage the great 
industrial interests of the country. 

7. Keform of abuses in the administration, the expulsion of corrupt 
men from office, the abrogation of useless offices, the restoration of 
rightful authority to, and the independence of, the executive and judi- 
cial departments of the Government, the subordination of the military to 
the civil power, to the end that the usurpations of Congress and the 
despotism of tlie sword may cease. 

8. Equal rights and protection for naturalized and native-born cit- 
izens at home and abroad, the assertion of American nationality 
which shall command the respect of foreign powers, and furnish au 
example and encouragement to people struggling for national integ- 
rity, constitutional liberty, and individual rights, and the mainten- 
ance of the rights of naturalized citizens against the absolute doctrine 
of immutable allegiance and the claims of foreign powers to punish 
them for alleged crime committed beyond their jurisdiction. m 

In demanding these measures and reforms, wo arraign the Badical 
party for its disregard of right, and the unparalleled oppression and 
tyranny which have marked its career. 

After the most solemn and unanimous pledge of both Houses of Con- 
gress to prosecute the war exclusively for the maintenance of the Gov- 
ernment and the preservation of the Union under the Constitution, it 
has repeatedly violated that most sacred pledge under which alone was 
rallied that noble volunteer armv which carried our flag to victory. In- 
stead of restoring the Union, it has, so far as in its power, dissolved it, 
and subjected ten States, in time of profound peace, to military despotism 
and negro supremacy. It has nulified there the right of trial by jury ; 
it has abolished the habeas corpus, that most sacred writ of liberty ; it 
has overthrown the freedom of speech and the press ; it has substituted 
arbitrary seizures and arrests, and military trials and secret star- 
chamber inquisitions, for the constitutional tribunals; it has disre- 
garded in time of peace the right of the people to be free from searches 
and seizures ; it has entered the post and telegraph offices, and even 
the private rooms of individuals, and seized their private papers and 
letters without any specific charge or notice of affidavit, as required by 
the organic law ; it has converted the American Capitol into a bastile ; 
it has established a system of spies and official espionage to which no 
constitutional monarchy of Europe would now dare to resort ; it has 
abolished the right of appeal on important constitutional questions to 
the supreme judicial tribunals, and threatens to curtail or destroy its 
original jurisdiction, which is irrevocably vested by the Constitution, 
while the learned Chief Justice has been subjected to the most atrocious 
calumnies, merely because he would not prostitute his high office to the 
support of the false and partisan charges preferred against the Presi- 
dent. Its corruption and extravagance have exceeded anything 
known in history, and, by its frauds and monopolies it has nearly 
doubled the burden of the debt created by the war. It has stripped the 
President of his constitutional power of appointmeut, even of his own 
cabinet. Under its repeated assaults, the pillars of the Government 
are locking on their base, and should it succeed in November next and 
inaugurate its President, we will meet as a subjected and conquered 
people amid the ruins of liberty and the scattered fragments of the Con- 
stitution. 



292 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 



And we do declare and resolve that ever since the people of the Uni- 
ted States threw off all subjection to the British crown, the privilege 
and trust of suffrage have belonged to the several States, and have been 
granted, regulated, and controlled exclusively by the political power of 
each State respectively, and that any attempt by Congress, on any pre- 
text whatever, to deprive any State of this right, or interfere with its 
exercise, la a flagrant usurpation of power which can find no warrant in 
the Constitution, and, if eanctioned by the people, will subvert our 
form of government, and can only end in a single centralized and con- 
solidated government, in which the separate existence of the States will 
be entirely absorbed, and an unqualified despotism be established in 
place of a Federal union of coequal States. 

And that wo regard the reconstruction acts (so called) of Congress, 
as such, as unsurpations and unconstitutional, revolutionary, and void. 
That our soldiers and sailors, who carried the flag of our country to 
victory against a most gallant and determined foe, must ever be grate- 
'fully remembered, and, all the guarantees given in their favor must be 
faithfully carried into execution. 

That the public lands should be distributed as widely as possible 
among the people, and should be disposed of either under the pre-emp- 
tion of homestead land, or sold in reasonable quantities, and to none 
but actual occupants, at the minimum price established by the Govern- 
ment. When gratts of public lands may be allowed, necessary for the 
encouragement of important public improvements, the proceds of the 
sale of such lands, and not the lands themselves, should be so applied. 

That the President of the United States, Andrew Johnson, in exer- 
cising the power of his high oflSce in resisting the aggressions of Con- 
gress upon the constitutional rights of the States and the people, is en- 
titled to the gratitude of the whole American people, and iu behalf of 
the Democratic party we tender him our thanks for his patriotic efforts 
iu that regard. 

Upon this platform the Democratic party appeal to every patriot, 
including all the Conservative element and all who desire to support 
the Constitution and restore the Union, forgetting all past differences 
of opinion, to unite with us in the present great struggle for the liber- 
ties of the people ; and that to all such, to whatever party they may 
have heretofore belonged, we extend the right hand of fellowship, and 
bail all such co-operating with us as friends and brethren. m 

Beeolved, That this convention sympathize cordially with the work- 
ingmen of the United States in their efforts to protect the rights and 
interests of the laboring classes of the country. 

Resolved, That the thanks of the convention are tendered to Chief 
Justice Salmon P. Chase, for the justice, dignity, and impartiality with 
which he presided over the court of impeachment on the trial of Pres- 
ident Andrew Johnson. 

At the time of holding the Conventions in Chicago 
and New York, the Soldiers and Sailors met at the 
same time and in the same cities, and one body passed 
a set of resolutions endorsing the nomination of Gen. 
Grant and pledging their support to secure his elec- 
tion, -while the other body denounced the administra- 
tion and resolved to work for the election of Seymour 
and Blair. 



ANDREW JOHNSON. 



X. FINAiSrciAL STATEMENT. 

The expenses of the last year of the war were 
greater than the entire expenditures of all the ad- 
ministrations from Washington to Buchanan. As 
high as $3,500,000 were required by the government 
at one time for its daily expenditures. Under these 
circumstances it is not surprising that the public debt 
should run into the billions. 



Year, 



Public Debt. 



$ 90,867,828 
514,211,371 
1,098,796,181 
1,740,690,489 
2,682,593,026 
2,783,425,879 



1861 
1862 
1863 

1864 
1865 
1866 
1867 
186812,636,320,964 



Expenditures. 



$ 85,387,313 
570,841,700 
805,796,630 
1,298,144,656 
1,897,674,224 
1,141,072,666 
1,093,079,655 
1,069,889,9701 



Exports. 



$243,971,277 
229,938,985 
322.359,254 
301,984,561 
336,697,123 
550,684,299 
438,577,312 
454,301,713 



Imports. 



$286,598,135 
275,357,051 
252,919,920 
329,562,895 
234,339,810 
445,512,158 
411,733.309 
872,409,448 



XI. OUTLINE OF CONCURRENT EVENTS. 

England: Death of Prince Albert, Dec. 14, 1861 ; 
Prince of Wales and Alexandra of Denmark mar- 
ried, March 10, 1863; Arrest and trial of Fenians 
in Ireland, 1865-66 ; Debates on the Irish Church 
and union of Liberal Party under lead of Mr. Glad- 
stone, resulting in the Disestablishment of the Irish 
Church ; War with Abyssinia in 1868. 

Denmark : Agitation in favor of a Scandinavian 
Union of Norway, Sweden and Denmark, in June ; 
the king of Denmark visited Sweden and was re- 
ceived with great enthusiasm, July 17, 1862. The 
Schleswig-Holstein war with Prussia and allies, be- 
gun in 1863, was concluded Oct. 30, 1864. 



CHAPTER XV. 
THE ADMINISTRATION OF UYLSSES S. GEANT. 

Eepuhlican, Two Terms, 1869 to 1877. 



I. CABINET. 

PRESIDENT. 

1869. Ulysses S. Grant, Illinois. 

VICE PRESIDENTS. 

1869. Schuyler Colfax, Indiana. 
1873. Henry Wilson, Massachusetts. 

SECRETARIES OF fiTATE. 

1869. Elihu B. Washburne, Illinois. 
1869. Hamilton Fish, New York. 

SECRETARIES OF THE TREASURY 

1869. Alexander T. Stewart, of New York, (ap't. 

withdrawn- 
1869. George S. Boutwell, Massachusetts. 
1873. William A Richardson, Massachusetts. 

SECRETARIES OF WAR. 

1869. John A. Rawlins, Illinois. 
1869. William T. Sherman, Ohio. 
1869. William W. Belknap, Iowa. 

SECRETARIES OF THE NAVZ. 

1869. Adolph E. Borie, Pennsylvania. 
1869. George M. Robeson, New Jersey- 

SECRETARIES OF THE INTERIOR. 

1869. Jacob D. Cox, Ohio. 

1870. Columbus Delano, Ohio. 



ULYSSES S. GRANT. 295 

POSTMASTER GENERAL. 

1869. John A. J. Creswell, Maryland. 

ATTORNEYS GENERAL. 

1869. Ebenezer R. Hoar, Massachusetts. 

1870. Amos T. Akerman, Georgia. 

1871. George A. "Williams, Oregon. 



II. SENATORS ELECTED PRESIDENTS PRO TEM- 

PORE OF THE SENATE. 
1869. March, Henry B. Anthony, Rhode Island. 
1873. March, Matthew H. Carpenter, AVisconsin. 

III. SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN- 
TATIVES. 
XLI. Congress, James G. Blaine, Maine. 
XLII. " James G. Blaine, Maine. 



IV. THE TWENTy-EIRST ELECTION. 

Popular vote : For President, Ulysses S. Grant, 
Illinois, 3,013,188; Horatio Seymour, New York, 
2,703,600. 

Electoral Vote : For President, Grant, 214; Sey- 
mour, 80. For Vice President, Schuyler Colfax, 
Indiana, 212; Frank P. Blair, Jr., Missouri, 80. 
Total, 294. Thirty-four States voted. Virginia, 
Mississippi and Texas did not vote. 



V. THE TWENTY-SECOND ELECTION. 
Popular Vote: For President, Ulysses S. Grant, 
Illinois, 3,597,070; Horace Greeley, IS ew York, 2,- 
834,079. 



296 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

Electoral Vote : For President, Ulysses S. Grant, 
300 ; Thomas A. Hendricks, Indiana, 42 ; B Gratz 
Brown, Missouri, 18 ; Horace Greeley, 3 ; (had Mr. 
Greeley lived he would have received 66 votes) ; 
Charles J. Jenkins, Georgia, 2 ; David Davis, Illi- 
nois, 1. For Vice President, Henry Wilson, Massa- 
chusetts, 300 ; scattering, GQ. Total, 366. Thirty- 
seven States voted ; but the votes of three States — 
Arkansas, Georgia, and Louisiana — were excluded 
from the count, because of irregularities, one of which 
was that Georgia had recorded 8 votes for Horace 
Greeley. 



VI. POPULATION AND REPRESENTATION. 

1870. For the first time in the history of the Ke- 
public, the census makes no distinction between the 
different classes of its population ; for there is none — 
all are free. The total is 38,558,371. The new ap- 
portionment for Congressmen gave a total member- 
ship of 292. 

The census of 1870 is the 9th which has been taken 
in the United States. Keliable calculations have given 
the following advance of population : In 1790, the 
center of population was near York, Pa. ; in 1800, 
the Pennsylvania line, south of Chambersburg ; in 
1810, the same line east of Cumberland ; in 1820, 
the northeast corner of Maryland ; in 1830, near 
Kingwood, West Virginia; in 1840, south of Clarks- 
burg, W. Va. ; in 1850, southeast of Parkersburg, 
W. Va. ; in 1860, twenty miles south of Chillicothe, 
Ohio; and in 1870, a little west of HiUsborough, 



ULYSSES S. GRANT. 297 

Ohio. The immense tide of immigration for 80 years 
past has flowed westward changing the longitude, but 
not the "latitude of the central line of population, or 
but very slightly. The law of immigration appears 
to be, that people move to about the same climate in 
this country as that from ■which they came. As a 
general thing, the Norwegians, Danes and Swedes 
have settled in the Northwestern States in a climate 
somewhat like that of Scandinavia ; the English, in 
New England ; the Germans, in the Middle States ; 
the French, in Louisiana ; and the Spanish and Port- 
uguese, in Central and South America. 

The census also shows that 12,500,000 out of the 
entire population are engaged in gainful occupations. 
The number of miners is 152,000 ; of carpenters, 
344,000; of shoemakers, 171,000; of tailors, 161,- 
000; of operatives in mills, 224,500; of physicians 
and surgeons, 62,000; of clergymen, 44,000; of 
journalists, 5,286; and of printers, 40,000. 



VII. HISTORICAL RECORD. 
1869. 
March 4. Gen. Grant was inaugurated as the 
eighteenth President of the United States. In his 
Inaugural Address he intimated that it would be the 
general policy of the administration to secure peace, 
prosperity, and harmony throughout the entire Union 
as far as this was possible ; first, by strict integrity in 
fulfilling all our obligations ; second, by securing pro- 
tection to the person and property of the citizens of 
the United States, in each and every portion of our 



298 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

common country wherever he may choose to move 
without reference to original nationality, religion, 
color, or politics, demanding of him only obedience 
to the laws and proper respect for the rights of others, 
and third, by cementing all the States into an inde- 
structible union, with equal State rights and consti- 
tutional guarantees. At this time three of the States 
lately in rebellion had not been restored to their Fed- 
eral relations. 

May 10. The Union Pacific Railroad was com- 
pleted. It is 1,776 miles long, from the Mississippi 
to the Pacific coast, and the traveller can pass from 
New York to San Francisco in one week. 

May 19. President Grant announced by Procla- 
mation that the eight-hour law having been passed by 
Congress would hereafter be in force without reduc- 
tion of wages for all laborers, workmen or mechanics 
employed by the United States. 

July 23. The steamers engaged in laying the 
French cable arrived at Duxbury, Massachusetts. 

November 1. The Cincinnati School Board di- 
rected that the Bible should not be read in their 
public schools. 

December 6. The Territory of Wyoming passed 
the Female Suffrage Bill. 

1870. 

February 7. The Legal Tender Act was declared 
unconstitutional by Chief Justice Chase. 

February 15. The Superior Court of Cincinnati 
decided that the School Board had no authority to 
exclude the Bible from the Public Schools. 



ULYSSES S. GRANT. 299 

March 7. Women were impannelled as jurors in 
the Territory of Wyoming. 

March 8. Gov. Austin, of Minnesota, vetoed the 
Female Suffrage BilL 

March 30. Secretay Fish gave notice by procla- 
mation that the XV Amendment had been adopted 
as a part of the Constitution by the required three- 
fourths vote of ratification. The Amendment is as 
follows : 

Art. 15. Sec. 1. The right of citizens of the United 
States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United 
States, or by any State, on account of race, color or previ- 
ous condition of servitude. 

Sec. 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article 
by appropriate legislation. 

April 12. The Danish treaty for the annexation 
of St. Thomas expired by limitation. Denmark gave 
her consent, but, when the proposition was submitted 
to the inhabitants, they voted against it. 

April 27; The floor of the Kichmond Court 
House, Virginia, gave way, killing and injuring over 
200 persons. 

May 24. President Grant issued a proclamation 
against the attempted invasion of Canada by the 
Fenians. 

June 29, The Senate rejected the Santa Domingo 
Treaty. A commission, of which President White, 
of Cornell University, and Hon. Benjamin F. Wade 
were members, visited the Island of Hayti to inves- 
tigate the condition of affairs, and on its return, 
gave a favorable account of that republic and the 
desirability of its admission to the Union. Presi- 
dent Grant favored the scheme, but on account of 



300 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

strong opposition in the Senate, the attempt was 
finally abandoned. 

July 3. Illinois adopted the new State Constitu- 
tion. 

July 12. A serious riot occurred in New York 
City between Irish Catholics and Orangemen who 
were celebrating the anniversary of the Battle of the 
Boyne. 

July 15. An annual appropriation of $3,000 was 
voted by Congress to Mrs. Lincoln. 

September 8, The French Kepublic was acknowl- 
edged by the United States. 

1871. 

February 27. The difficulties with England grow- 
ing out of the so-called Alabama claims and other 
differences were brought before a joint high commis- 
sion which held its first meeting in secret session at 
Washington, and arranged a basis for amicable set- 
tlement by arbitration of all disputed points between 
the United States and Great Britain. In accordance 
with the provisions of this treaty, the arbitrators — 
Adams, of the United States ; Cockburn, of Eng- 
land ; Selopis, of Italy ; Estampfli, of Switzerland, 
and Itajuba, of Brazil — met in Geneva, Switzerland, 
and finally closed their laborious investigations. Sept; 
14, 1872, by awarding a pecuniary satisfaction to the 
United States in the sum of $15,500,000 in gold. 
The question of a definite Northwestern boundary, 
which had not been satisfactorily determined by the 
treaty of June 15, 1846, was referred to Emperor 
William of Germany, who, on the 21st day of Oc- 



ULYSSES S. GRANT. 301 

tober, 1872, rendered his decision in writing, and to 
the following effect as was announced by the President 
in his message to Congress: "This award confirms 
the United States in their claim in the important 
archipelago of the Islands lying between the continent 
and Van Couver's Island, which, for twenty-six years 
since the ratification of the treaty of Great Britain 
has been contested, and leaves us for the first time in 
the history of the United States as a nation, without 
a question of disputed boundary between this terri- 
tory and the possession of Great Britain on this Con- 
tinent." 

April 1. A colored boy was employed as a page in 
Congress for the first time. 

April 20. The Ku-Klux enforcement bill was 
passed and signed by the President, which was fol- 
lowed by a Proclamation on the same subject, on the 
first day of May following. 

May 15. A new Territorial Government was insti- 
tuted for the City of Washington and the District of 
Columbia. 

June 29. Capt. C. F. Hall left New York, in the 
Polaris, for the Artie Regions. 

July 7. The grand jury of Oxford, Miss., in- 
dicted 300 persons for alleged Ku Klux outrages. 

July 12. A serious Catholic and Orange riot in 
the streets of New York city resulted in the death of 
62 people and the injury of 137 others. 

October 7, 8, 9. The first fire of Chicago broke 
out on Saturday night and consumed five squares of 
buildings valued at $1,000,000 before its ravages were 
stayed. On Sunday evening, Oct. 8, and before the 



302 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

firemen had recovered from their great exertions of 
Saturday night, the second or great Chicago Fire was 
started by a lamp which the since famous cow of Mrs. 
O'Leary kicked over in a stable on DeKoven street. 
Its mad career was stopped on Monday night at 9 
o'clock, four miles distant, after it had cleared, during 
those terrible forty-six hours, an area of 2,124 acres, 
or about 3 J square miles and consumed in that sea of 
flames about 17,000 houses. Insurance companies had 
a total risk of $100,225,779 20 in the burnt district. 
The total loss, at first, was estimated at hundreds of 
millions of dollars, but a more accurate estimate has 
reduced it to $153,000,000. The total amount of in- 
surance money paid was $37,998,985 88. 

October 9. Peshtigo, a village in Wisconsin, of 
about 400 houses, was completely destroyed by forest 
fire which swept over it with fearful loss of life. Ex- 
tensive forest fires occurred also in Michigan and Min- 
nesota, which destroyed much valuable property, and 
led very many in those ill-fated localities to believe 
that the great and final conflagration of all things had 
now come. 

December 19. President Grant sent a message to 
Congress on the subject of Civil Service Keform, 
promising to adopt the suggestions of the report of 
the commissioners who had been appointed, and who 
recommended a variety of rules, whose main object 
was to secure for the civil service of the government, 
the appointment of such persons as were intellectually 
and morally best qualified. The civil commissioners 
were George William Curtis, Joseph Medill, Alex. 



ULYSSES S. GRANT. 303 

G. Cattell, Davidson A. \Yalker, E. B. Elliott, 
Joseph H. Blackfan and David C. Cox. 

December 21 . Senator Sumner spoke in Senate 
in favor of a bill to limit the Presidency of the 
United States to a single term of four years. 

December 80. The power of the Tammany King 
was completely broken by the Committee of 70, a 
result due chiefly to the persistent attacks of the 
New York Times and trenchant pencil of Thomas 
Nast. 

1872. 

February 15, 20. Senator Schurz spoke very ably 
in support of Sumner's resolutions to investigate the 
French sale of Arms by our Government, and on 
March 5th, the great debate on this subject was 
closed, and the Senate voted to appoint a committee 
of investigation, In May following, the committee 
made a report exonerating the government and its 
officers from any fraudulent designs, or violations of 
the laws of neutrality. 

May 31. Senator Sumner delivered his speech in 
the Senate against Gen. Grant, denouncing his ad- 
ministration, claiming that he had made a plaything 
and a perquisite of the Presidency, charging him 
with nepotism in the distribution of official patron- 
age, and asserting that public affairs had been con- 
ducted in a manner to secure his own reelection. 
He closed by appealing to the Kepublican party to 
throw Grant overboard and institute Reform and 
Purity in the administration of government. 

October 8. The first anniversary of the Great 



30-i THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

Chicago Fire revealed the unparalleled fact, that 
one-half of the business part of the city had been 
rebuilt, in a style to far surpass the former city, and 
with a greater storing capacity than it had before 
the fire. The books of the Aid Society, to whom 
had been entrusted the World's Charity, showed that 
$2,070,066.13 had been paid out during the year to 
relieve distress and suffering. A hundred thousand 
persons had been rendered homeless and houseless 
almost in an instant, and the heart of humanity the 
world over was touched by the spectacle of a city in 
ashes. Treasures poured in upon the Garden City 
with unstinted generosity from every point of the 
compass, illustrating the truth, "it is more blessed 
to give than to receive." 

November 4. The trouble in Louisiana began 
with the election held this day, and the fact that two 
Keturning Boards, each claimed to have power to 
canvass the votes for Presidential electors, members 
of Congress, State officers, and members of the Leg- 
islature, declared two sets of officers elected. The 
question then arose, who are the legally elected can- 
didates ? Some serious riots have occurred and even 
blood has been shed in some of the parishes where 
political feeling and prejudices of race have been 
running very high. The case, resembling in some 
respects Dorr's Rebellion in Rhode Island, has been 
taken before the Courts for adjudication, and Presi- 
dent Grant has decided by proclamation that Kel- 
logg and the officers elected with him, constituting 
the de facto government in accordance with the de- 
cisions of the inferior and superior courts of the 



ULYSSES S. GRANT. 305" 

State, will be sustained as the lawful government to 
the extent of the power of the United States in case 
there shall arise any armed interference or resistence. 

November 5* Cumulative voting was tested for 
the first time on a large scale in the State of Illinois. 

November 9, 10. A great fire broke out in Bos- 
ton, which desolated 64 acres in the heart of the city 
and destroyed 750 houses. Owing to the greater 
density of population and buildings, it was about 
half as costly as the Chicago fire of a year and a 
month ago. The entire loss was fully equal to $80,- 
000,000 — a very severe trial, in a monetary point of 
view, to Fire Insurance Companies and their sol- 
vency. 

November 29. Hon. Horace Greeley died from 
sleeplessness followed by inflammation of the brain. 
He was buried on Wednesday, December 4 — the 
very day on which the Presidential Electors met to 
record their votes, and on which three electors in 
Georgia voted for him. 

1873. 
January 17. Senator Morton delivered a great 
speech in the Senate on the defects of the electoral 
system -and the best means for remedying them. 
He presented a philosophic review of the entire subject 
and illustrated the dangers which this mode might 
produce by some irregularities that had already oc- 
curred, and recommended that the Constitution be 
amended so as to substitute the direct vote of the 
people without the intervention of Electors, each 
State to be divided into as many districts as it has 

20 



306 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

Senators and Representatives, each district to have 
one vote in the election of President and Vice Presi- 
dent, and the vote of that district to be counted in 
favor of the candidates for President and Vice Presi- 
dent who receive the largest number of votes in it. 

February 27. The Judge Poland Comiiiittee on 
the Credit Mobilier Investigations brought in their 
report. The following resolutions, which explain 
themselves, were finally adopted : 

Resolved, That the House absolutely condemns the con- 
duct of Oakes Ames, a member of this House, from the 
State of Massachusetts, in seeking to procure Congressional 
attention to the affairs of a corporation in which he was in- 
terested, and whose interest directly depended on the legis- 
lation of Congress, by inducing members of Congress to in- 
vest in the stock of said corporation. 

Resolved, That the House absolutely condems the conduct 
of James Brooks, a member of this House, from New York, 
for the use of his position of Government Director of the 
Union Pacific Railroad, and of member of this House, to 
procure the assignment to himself or family of stock in the 
Credit Mobilier of America, a corporation having a con- 
tract with the Union Pacific Railroad, and whose interests 
depended directly upon the legislation of .Congress. 

March 4. Gen. Grant was reinaugurated as Pres- 
ident of the United States. The President in his 2d 
Inaugural address used these words : '' It is my firm 
conviction that the civilized world is tending to a re- 
publican form of government, by the people, through 
their chosen representatives, and that our great repub- 
lic is destined to be the guiding star to all others." 
And again, *' The States lately at war with the gen- 
eral government are now happily united, and no exe- 
cutive control is exercised in any one of them that 
would not be exercised in any other State under like 
circumstances. In the first year of the past adminis- 



ULYSSES S. GRANT. 307 

Iration, the proposition came up for the admission of 
Santa Domingo as a Territory of the Union* It was 
not a question of my seeking, but was a proposition 
from the people of San Domingo, and which I enter- 
tained. I believe now as I did then, that it was the 
best intei-ests of this country, for the people of San 
Domingo and all concerned, that the proposition should 
be received favorably. It was, however, regarded 
unfavorably, and therefore the subject was never 
brought up by me again. In the future, while I hold 
my present office, the subject of the acquisition of 
territory must have the support of the people before 
I will recommend any proposition looking to such ac- 
quisition. I say, however, that I do not share in the 
apprehension held by many as to the danger of the 
Government becoming weakened and destroyed by 
reason of its extension, but rather believe that our 
Great Ruler is preparing the world, in his own good 
time, to become one nation, speaking one language, and 
when armies and navies will be no longer required." 
April 11. General Canby and Rev. Dr. Thomas 
(Mr. Meacham was severely wounded, and Mr. 
Dyer, the other peace commissioner escaped unhurt) 
were assassinated by Captain Jack and Modoc 
confederates, while the former were endeavoring 
to mediate for the removal of the Modoc tribe to 
other reservations. The body of Gen. Canby was 
taken to Crown Hill, Indianapolis, Ind., for inter- 
ment, and Gen's Sherman and Sheridan, and other 
military celebrities attended the funeral to pay a 
tribute of respect and friendship to the great and good 
man who had been so untimely removed. Due efforts 
were immediately put forth for the arrest of their mur- 
derers, but for some reasons the Indians were able to 



308 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

hold their positions in the lava beds with considerable 
slaughter of the United States troops who attempted 
to take them. Gen. Jefferson C. Davis, however, 
who received the position made vacant by the 
death of General Canby, was able to overtake 
them, and the flying chief was captured on June 
1st. What to do with our Indian population, 
who number about 300,000, is still a vexing 
question. Extermination is not only unchristian 
but expensive, and would cost at past figures some- 
thing like $300,000,000,000, and on an average, the 
lives of 25 white men for every Indian slain. The 
number of Indians civilized is 97,000, of semi-civil- 
ized 125,000, and of wholly savage, 78,000. They 
are distributed as follows : In Minnesota and east of 
the Mississippi, 32,500; in Kebraska, Kansas and 
Indian Territory, 70,650 ; in Dakota, Montana, "Wy- 
oming and Idaho, 65,000 ; in Nevada and the Terri- 
tories of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona, 
84,000 ; and in California, Oregon and Washington, 
47,850. The heathen are in our midst, what higher 
duty than to civilize and christianize them? Con- 
gress, on March 3, 1871, passed an act to declare, that 
"hereafter no Indian Nation or tribe within the ter- 
ritory of the United States shall be acknowledged or 
recognized as an independent nation, tribe or power 
with whom the United States may contract by treaty. 
May 30. Another large fire broke out in Boston 
on the morning of Decoration Day. The frequency 
with which fires occur in our large cities and the fab- 
ulous sums of money annually annihilated by the 
" fire fiend " called renewed attention to the erection 



ULYSSES S. GRANT. 309 

of fire-proof buildings, not less than give alarm to 
companies engaged in fire underwriting. It is doubt- 
less true that a large per cent, of loss is the result of 
incendiarism, and a judicious insurance authority has 
estimated the number of buildings burned by incen- 
diaries as ranging from 30 to 50 per centum. Of 
course this point is incapable of legal proof, but there 
is, however, good ground for suspicion. 

June 30. The entire number of miles of railroad 
completed in the United States is about 70,000, con- 
structed at an average cost of $50,000 per mile. 



VIII. POLITICAL PARTIES. 
In preparing for the Presidential canvass of 1872, 
a fierce mania broke out in the shape of nominating 
candidates. The tree of Presidential aspirations bore 
a multiplied blossom, but with very little fruitage. 
Not only did citizens of modest ambition nominate 
themselves in the failure of conventions to do this for 
them, but also eight or nine conventions met and pre- 
pared as many different tickets. It must not be for- 
gotten either that a w^oman was nominated in New 
York City, being afflicted with what had hitherto been 
considered the sole infirmity of great minds — an ink- 
ling for the Presidency. • Leaving out of considera- 
tion, however, all those combinations which failed to 
incubate anything more than a platform and a ticket, 
such as the Revenue Reform or Free Traders' move- 
ment, (Wm. S. Oroesbeck and Frederick Law Olm- 
sted, candidates) ; the Labor Reform Party, (Judge 
David Davis and Gov. Joel Parker) ; the Temperance 



310 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

Society, (James Black and John Russell) ; the Anti- 
Masonic, or more comprehensively, the Anti-Secret 
organization, (Charles Francis Adams and J. L. Bar- 
low— substituted for Gen, C. H. Howard, declined), 
f and others, we will only briefly notice those organiza- 
tions which developed more strength and proved more 
formidable, 

1. The Liberal Republicans met at Cincinnati, 
May 1, in a National Conveijtion, in pursuance of a 
call issued by the Missouri State Convention of Lib- 
eral Republicans which had convened at Jefferson 
City, Jan. 24, 1872. The origin of this movement 
dates back to 1870, when a portion of the Republican 
party in that State " bolted " on the question of com- 
mittal to entire amnesty and free trade controversy, 
and under the lead of Carl Schurz and B. Gratz Brown 
imited with the Democrats and carried that State by 
40, 000 majority. The Liberal movement was advoca- 
ted by quite a number of influential editors, such as 
Horace Greeley, WhitelawReid, Horace White, Sam- 
uel Bowles, Murat Halstead, Henry Watterson, and 
others, \vho, with reference to the administration of 
Gen. Grant, had assumed an independent position 
and by the time this convention assembled, had com- 
pletely severed their connection with the Republican 
Party. And in Congress the New departure was 
favored by Charles Sumner, Carl Schurz, Lyman 
Trumbull and others of great ability. The Liberal 
party desired to unite those who had been disunited 
by the past strife, and to give the country a pure, 
honest and constitutional government. Hon. Carl 
Schurz was chosen Permanent Chairman. The prom- 



ULYSSES S. GRANT. 



311 



inent candidates before the Convention were Horace 
Greeley, Charles Francis Adams, B. Gratz Brown, 
Jacob D. Cox, Andrew G. Curtin, David Davis, John 
M. Palmer, and Lyman Trumbull, and the first bal- 
lot revealed a numerical preference as follows: 
Adams, 203 ; Greeley, 147 ; Trumbull, 108 ; Davis, 
92|; Brown, 92; Curtain, G2 ; Chase, 2^; and 
Charles Sumner, 1. On the 6th ballot, after con- 
siderable changing of votes, the result was finally 
declared to be, for Horace Greeley, 482, and for 
Charles Francis Adams, 187. Horace Greeley, New 
York, was then declared duly elected, the attempt to 
make it unanimous not having been sustained. Gov. 
B. Gratz Brown, Missouri, was next elected the can- 
didate for the Vice Presidency by the following vote : 
B. Gratz Brown, 425 ; George W. Julian, Indiana, 
175 ; scattering, 81. Horace White, Editor of the 
Chicago Tribune, and Chairman of the Committee on 
Resolutions, ofiered the following declarations which 
were unanimously adopted as the principles of the 
Liberal Republican Party : 



We, the Liberal Bepublicans of 
the Uuited States, iu National 
Convention assembled at Cincin- 
nati, proclaim the following prin- 
ciples as essential to just govern- 
ment. {Cincinnati, May 3d, 1872.) 



We, the Democratic Electors of 
the United States, in Convention 
assembled, do present the follow- 
lowing principles, already adopted 
at Cincinnati, aa essential to just 
government. {BaUimore, July lOth, 
1872.) 



First. We recognize the equality of all men before the law, and hold 
that it is the duty of Government in its dealings with the people to 
mete out equal and exact justice to all, of whatever nativity, race, 
color, or persuasion, religious or political. 

Second. We pledge ourselves to maintain the union of these States, 
emancipation, and enfranchisement, and to oppose any reopening of 
the questions settled by the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth 
Amendments to the Constitution. 

Third. We demand the immediate and absolute removal of all disa- 
bilities imposed on account of the Rebellion, which was finally sub- 
dued seven years ago, believing that universal amnesty will result io 
complete pacification in all sections of the country. 



312 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 



Fourth. Local self-government, with impartial suffrage, will guard 
the lights of all citizens more securely than any centralized power. 
The public welfare requires the supremacy of the civil over the mili- 
tary authority, and freedom of persons under the protection of habeas 
corpus. We demand for the individual the largest liberty consistent 
with public order ; for the State, self government ; and for the nation, 
a return to the methods of peace and the constitutional limitations of 
power. 

Fifth. The Civil Service of the Government has become a mere in- 
strument of partisan tyranny and personal ambition, and an object of 
selfish greed. It is a scandal and reproach upon free institutions, and 
breeds a demoralization dangerous to the perpetuity of republican 
government. We therefore regard such thorough reforms of the Civil 
Service as one of the most pressing necessities of the hour; that hon- 
esty, capacity, and fidelity constitute the only valid claim to public 
employment ; that the offices of the Government ceases to be a matter 
of arbitrary favoritism and patronage, and that public station be- 
come again the post of honor. To this end it is imperatively required 
that no President ehall be a candidate for reelection. 

Sixth. We demand a system of Federal taxation which shall not un- 
necessarily interfere "with the industry of the people, and which shall 
provide the means necessary to pay the expenses of the Government 
economically administered, the pensions, the interest on the public 
debt, and a moderate reduction annually of the principal thereof; and, 
recognizing that there are in our midst honest but irreconcilable differ- 
ences of opinion with regard to the respective systems of Protection 
and Free Trade, we remit the discussion of the subject to the people in 
their Congress Districts, and to the decision of the Congress thereon, 
wholly/ree of Executive interference or dictation. 

Seventh. The public credit must be sacredly maintained, and wo de- 
nounce repudiation in every form and guise. 

Eighth. A speedy return to specie payment is demanded alike by 
the highest considerations of commercial morality and honest govern- 
ment. 

Ninth. We remember with gratitude the heroism and sacrifices of the 
soldiers and sailors of the Kepublic, and no act of ours shall ever de- 
tract from their justly-earned fame for the full reward of their patri- 
otism. 

Tenth. We are opposed to all further grants of lands to railroads or 
other corporations. The public domain should be held sacred to actual 
settlers. 

Eleventh. We hold that it is the duty of the Government, in its in- 
tercourse with foreign nations, to cultivate the friendship of peace, by 
treating with all on fair and equal terms, regarding it .alike dishonor- 
able either to demand what is not right, or to submit to what is wrong. 

Twelfth. For the promotion and success of these vital principles, 
and the support of the candidates nominated by this Convention, we 
invite and cordially welcome the co-operation of all patriotic citizens, 
without regard to previous afifiliations. 

2. The Eepublican party met at Philadelphia, June 
5, and made Hon. Morton McMichael, of Pennsyl- 
vania, temporary, and Hon. Thomas Settle, of North 
Carolina, permament Chairman. On Thursday, 
June 6, the first and only ballot for Presidential 
nominee was taken and resulted in giving the unani- 



ULYSSES S. GRANT. 313 

mous vote of all the delegates, 762, to Gen. Grant. 
This announcement was received with tremendous 
applause. The Committee on Platform not being 
ready to report, the vote for Vice President Avas 
taken, and when the roll was called it appeared that 
Hon. Henry Wilson, of Massachusetts, had received 
364J votes, Hon. Schuyler Colfax, of Indiana, 321J, 
and the rest scattering, but before the result was 
announced, Virginia changed her vote for Wilson 
and secured his nomination. At this juncture, other 
States also changed their votes, and the final result 
made his election unanimous. The report of the 
Committee on Eesolutions was then heard and 
adopted, when the Convention adjourned. 

The following is the Philadelphia platform of 
1872: 

The Republican party of the United States, assembled in National 
Convention in the city of Philadelphia, on tlie 6th and Gth days of June 
1872, again declares its faith, appeals to its history, and announces its 
position upon the questions before the country. m 

First. During eleven years of supremacy it has accepted with grand 
courage the solemn duties of the times. It suppressed a gigantic rebel- 
lion, emancipated four millions of slaves, decreed the equal citizenship 
of all, and established universal suffrage. Exhibiting unparalleled 
magnanimity, it criminally punished no man for political ofl'ense, and 
warmly welcomed all who proved their loyalty by obeying the laws and 
dealing justly with their neighbors. It has steadily decreased with a 
firm hand, the resultant disorders of a great war, and initiated a wise 
policy toward the Indians. The Pacific railroad and similar vast enter- 
prises have been generally aided and successfully conducted ; the public 
lands freely given to actual settlers ; immigration protected and en- 
couraged, and a full acknowledgement of the naturalized citizens' 
rights secured from European powers. A uniform national currency 
has been provided; repudiation frowned down ; the national credit sus- 
tained under most extraordinary burdens, and new bonds negotiated 
at lower rates ; the revenues have been carefully collected and honestly 
applied. Despite the annual large reductions of rates of taxation, tho 
public debt has been reduced during General Grant's presidency at tho 
rate of ^100,000,000 a year. A great financial crisis has been avoided, 
and peace and plenty prevail throughout the land. Menacing foreign 
difficulties have been peacefully and honorably compromised, and the 
honor and the power of the nation kept in high respect throughout the 
world. This glorious record of the past is the party's best pledge for 
the future. We believo tho people will not intrust the government to 
any party or combination of men composed chiefly of those who have 
resisted every step of this beneficial progress. 



314 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 



Second. Complete liberty and exact equality in the enjoyment of al 
civil, political and public rights should be established, and effectually 
maintained throughout the Union, by efficient snd appropriate State 
and federal legislation. Neither the law nor its administration should 
admit of any discrimination in respect of citizen by reason of race 
creed, color, or previous condition of servitude. 

Third. The recent amendments to the national Constitution should 
be cordially sustained, because they are right, not merely tolerated be- 
cause they are law, and should be carried out according to their spirit 
by appropriate legislation, the enforcement of which can be safely 
trusted only to the party that secured those amendments. 

Fourth. The national government should seek to maintain an hon- 
orable peace with all nations, protecting its citizens everywhere, and 
sympathizing with all people who strive for greater liberty. 

Fifth. Any system of the civil service under which the subordinate 
positions of the government are considered rewards for mere party zeal, 
is fatally demoralizing; and we, therefore, favor a reform of the system 
by laws which shall abolish the evils of patronage, and make honesty, 
efficiency, and fidelity the essential qualifications for public position, 
without practically creating a life-tenure of office. 

Sixth. We are opposed to further grants of the public lands to cor- 
porations and monopolies, and demand that the national domain be set 
apart for free homes for the people. 

Seventh. The annual revenues, after paying the current debts, should 
furnish a moderate balance for the reduction of the principal, and the 
revenue, except so much as may be derived from a tax on tobacco and 
liquors, be rai-ed by duties upon importations, the duties of which 
should be so adjusted as to aid in securing remunerative wages to labor, 
and promote the industries, growth and prosperity of the whole 
country. 

Eighth. We hold in undying honor the soldiers and sailors whose 
valor eaved the Union ; their pensions are a sacred debt of the nation, 
and the widows and orphans of those who died for their country are 
entitled to the care of a generous and grateful people. We favor such 
additional legislation as will extend the bounty of the governmnt to all 
our soldiers and sailors who were honorably d-scharged, and who in the 
line of duty became disabled, -without regard to the length of service 
or the cause of such discharge. 

Ninth. The doctrine of Great Britain and Other European powers 
concerning allegiacne — " Once a subject always a subject " — having at 
last, through the efiforts of the Republican party, been abandoned, and 
the American idea of the individual's right to transfer his allegiance 
having been accepted by European nations, it is the duty of our gov- 
ernment to guard with jealous care the rights of adopted citizens against 
the assumption of unauthorized claims by their former government; 
and we urge the continual and careful encouragement and protection of 
voluntary immigration. 

Tenth. The franking privilege ought to be abolished, and the way 
prepared for a speedy reduction in the rate of postage. 

Eleventh. Among the questions which press for attention is that 
which concerns the relations of capital and labor, and the Republican 
party recognize the duty of so shaping legislation as to secure full pro- 
tection, and the amplest field for capital, and for labor the creator of 
capital, the largest opportunities and a just share of the mutual profits 
of these two great servants of civilization. 

Twelfth. We hold that Congress and the President have only ful- 
filled an imperative duty in their measures for the suppression of vio- 
lent and treasonable organizations in certain lately rebellious regions, 
and for the protection of the ballot-box, and therefore they are enti- 
tled to the thanks of the nation. 

Thirteenth. We denounce repudiation of the public debt in any form 
or disguise as a national crime. We witness with pride the redaction 



ULYSSES S. GRANT. 315 

of the principal of the debt and of the rates of interest upon the bal- 
ance, and confidently expect that our excellent national currency will 
be perfected by a speedy resumption of specie payments. 

Fourteenth. The Republican party is mindful of its obligations to 
the loyal woman of America, for their noble devotion to the causo of free- 
dom. Their admission to wider fields of usefulness is received with 
satisfaction, and the honest demands of any class of citizens for addi- 
tional rights should be treated with respectful consideration. 

Fifteenth. We heartily approve the action of Congress in extending 
amnesy to those lately in rebellion, and rejoice in the growth of peace 
and fraternal feeling throughout the land. 

Sixteenth. The Republican party propose to respect the rights re- 
served by the people to themselves as carefully as the powers delegated 
by them to the State and to the federal government. It disapproves of 
the resort to unconstitutional laws for the purpose of removing evils by 
interference with rights not surrendered by the people to either the 
State or national government. 

Seventeenth. It is the duty of the general government to adopt such 
measures as will tend to encourage American commerce and ship build- 
ing. 

Eighteenth. We believe that the modest patriotism, the earnest pur- 
pose, the sound judgment, the practical wisdom, the incorruptable in- 
tegrity and illustrious services of Ulysses S. Grant have commended 
him to the heart of the American people, and with him at our head we 
start to-day upon a new march to victory, 

3. The Democratic party held its National Con- 
vention at Baltimore, July 9, chose Hon. Thomas 
Jefferson Eandolph, of Virginia, temporary, and 
Hon. James R. Doolittle, of Wisconsin, permanent 
Chairman of the assembly. It was already settled 
to make a new departure in politics, inasmuch as the 
war had greatly changed the condition of affairs, and 
it was held to be hopeless and obstinate to continue 
the party on its old lines of principle and policy. 
On the 10th of July, the Committee on Eesolutions 
reported in favor of adopting the Cincinnati platform, 
and this report being received and adopted, (for 
platform see page 311) it only remained for the Con- 
vention, before^ adjourning, to endorse the Cincinnati 
candidates, and make them its own. This was done, 
and the combination received the name of the Lib- 
eral Republican Democratic party. 

4. This action of the Democratic party leaders 



316 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

proved distasteful to many old line and conservative 
Democrats who were proud of the name and the 
grand history of Democracy. These, accordingly, to 
the number of 600 met in convention at Louisville, 
Sept, 3, and Col. Levi S. Chatfield, N. Y., was se- 
lected as temporary, and Judge James Lyons as per- 
manent Chairman. The great feature of the day 
w^as the reading of Charles O'Conor's letter, who 
very ably reviewed the principles of old time Democ- 
racy and protested against their abandonment. He 
also very positively declined to be a candidate on the 
ground of an unalterable preference for private life, 
and the possible selection of a better candidate* On 
the 4th of September the Convention proceeded to 
elect Charles O'Conor, New York, and John Quincy 
Adams, Massachusetts, as the standard bearers of 
the Straight-out Democracy for President and Vice 
President. Charles O'Conor sent a positive declina- 
ture by telegraph, which produced a profound im- 
pression, and at first there was a disposition to accept 
and give the selection to Judge Lyons, but he also 
positively declined, and the Convention finally ad- 
journed, resolving to support the nomination of 
Charles O'Conor and not permit him to withdraw. 
The following platform was adopted, Sept. 4 : 

Whereas, A frequent recurrence to first principles aud eternal vig- 
ilance against abuses are the wisest provisions for libertj'-, which is the 
source of progress, and fidelity to our constitusional system is the only 
protection for either ; therefore — 

Resolved, That the original basis of our whole political structure is 
consent, in every part thereof. The people of each State voluntarily 
created their State, and the States voluntarily formed the Union. And 
each State, provided by its written constitution for everything a State 
should do for the protection of life, liberty, and property within it ; and 
each State jointly with the others, provided a Federal Union for foreign 
aud inter-State relations. 

Resolved, That all governmental powers, whether State or Federal, 
are tiust powers, coming from the people of each State, and that they 



ULYSE3S S. GRANT, 317 



are limited to the written letter of the constitntioD and the laws passed 
in pursuance of it, which powers must be exercised in the utmost good 
faith, tlie constitution itself providing in what manner thoy may be 
altered and amended. 

Resolved, That the interests of labor and capital should not be per- 
mitted to conflict, but should be harmonized by judicious legislation. 
While such a conflict continues, labor, which is the parent of wealth, 
is entitled to paramount consideration. 

Resolved, That we proclaim to the world that principle is to bo pre- 
ferred to power ; that the Democratic party is held together by the co- 
hesion of time-honored principles, which they will never surrender in 
exchange for all the oflices which Presidents can confer. The pangs of 
the minorities are, doubtless, excruciating ; but wo welcome an eternal 
minority under the banner inscribed witli our principles rather than an 
almighty and everlasting majority purchased by their abandonment. 

Resolved, That having been betrayed at Baltimore into a false creed 
and a false leadership by the Convention, we repudiate both, and apeal 
to the people to approve our platform and to rally to the polls and sup- 
port the true platform and the candidates who embody it. 



IX. FINANCIAL Sa?ATEMENT. 

In a speech delivered at Greensboro, N. C, July 
17, 1872, Secretary Boutwell stated that the financial 
policy of the administration had been : 1st, to secure 
the faithful collection of the public revenue ; 2d, the 
reduction of the public expenditures ; 3d, to reestab- 
lish the public credit and reduce the interest account ; 
and 4th, to reduce taxation and finally prepare the 
way for the resumption of specie payment at the 
earliest moment consistent with the prosperity of the 
country. It was a maxim of Jefierson, as a part of 
sound political economy, that a national debt should 
be paid by the generation that created it, and it 
seems as if the administration of Gen. Grant had 
been acting on this principle; for the public debt 
has been reduced in the sum of ^411,247,880. The 
public debt is as follows: 1869, $2,453,559,735; 
1870, $2,406,562,371; 1871, $2,397,740,148; 1872, 
$2.295,833,523 ; and 1873, $2,225,073,084. 

The present Public Debt of the United States is 
three-fifths as large as that of Great Britain. 



318 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 



TABULAR 



States. 



Alabama 

Arkansas 

California 

Connecticut 

Delaware ,... 

Florida 

Georgia 

Illinois 

Indiana 

Iowa 

Kansas 

Kentucky 

Louisiana 

Blaine 

Maryland 

Massachusetts . 

Michigan 

Minnesota 

Mississippi 

Missouri 

Nebraska 

Nevada 

NewUnrnpshire 

New Jersey , 

New York 

North Carolina 

Ohio 

Oregon 

Pennsylvania,.. 
Rhode Island... 
South Carolina. 

Tennnesseo 

Texas 

Vermont 

Virginia 

West Virginia.. 
Wisconsin 



Original Settlements. 



French, at Mobile, 1711 
Fr., Arkansas P't,lG85. 
Spanish, San Diego,1769 
Colonists, Windsor,1633 
Sw., Cape Henlo'n, 1627 
Sp., St. Augustine, 1565... 

Eng., Sivannah, 1733 

Fr., Kaskaskia, 1720 

Fr., ViBcennes, 1690 

E. St's, Burl'gton, 1833.. 

E. St's, Top'eka, 1850 

Boone, B'nesboro', 1775... 

French, Iberville, 1699 

English, Bristol, 1623 

Eng., St. Mary's, 1634 

Eng., Plymouth, 1620 

French, Detroit, 1670 

E. States, St. Paul, 1846.. 

French, Natchez, 171G 

French, St. Louis, 1764.... 

Eastern States 

Eastern States 

English, Dover, 1624 

D'ch& D's, Bergen, 1624... 

Dutch, Albany, 1614 

Kng., A.lbemarle, 1663 

N.E, St's, Marietta, 1788... 
E. States, Astoria, 1811.... 
Eng , Philadelphia, 1682.. 
Roger Will's, Prov.,1636... 

Eng,, Port Royal, 1670 

N.Car'l'a, F'tLoud'n,17o7 
Span., S. A. deBexar, 1690 
Mass., F't Drummer, 1725 
Eng., Jamestown, 1007 



Capitals. Leg. Meet. 



Fr., Green Bay, 1669. 



Montgomery 

Little Eock 

Sacramento 

|Hartf'd&N.H.. 

Dover 

Tallahassee 

Atlanta 

Springfield 

Indianapolis 

Des Moines 

Topeka 

Frankfort 

New Orleans 

Augusta 

Annapolis 

Boston 

Lansing 

St. Paul 

Jackson 

Jefferson City... 

Lincoln 

Carson City 

Concord 

Trenton 

Albany 

Raleigh 

Columbus 

Salem 

Harrisburg 

Newp'rt & Prov 

Columbia 

Nashville 

Austin 

Montpelier 

Richmond 

Charleston 

Madison 



3 M. Nov.... 

I M. Jan 

1 M. Dec*... 
I W. May... 

1 Tu. Jan-.. 
T.al M.Jan 

2 W. Jan*... 
1 M. Jan*... 

1 W. Jan* .. 

2 M. Jan*... 

2Tu Jan 

1 M. Dec*... 

1 M. Jan 

1 W. Jan.... 
1 W. Jan*... 
1 W. Jan.... 
1 W.Jan*... 
T.al M.Jan 
T.al M.Jan 
Last M.Dec 
ThalMJan* 
I M. Jan*... 

1 M. June.,, 

2 Tu. .Tan... 
1 Tu. Jan... 
1 Th. Nov... 
1 M.Jan*,.. 
2M. Sept... 
1 Tu. Jan,., 
May & Jan., 
4M. Nov.,,. 

1 M, Oct*,,. 

2 Tu, Jan... 
2Th. Oct*. 

1 M. Dec. 

2 Tu. Jan ... 
1 W. Jan.... 



'^Elections and Sessions biennial. 



Terbitoeies. 


UKG'I) 


Pop. 


Capitals. 


GOVERNOKS. 


Alaska 






Sitka 






18G3 
1861 
1861 
1791 
1863 


9,658 
39,804 
14,181 
131,700 
14,999 


Tucson 


A. P. K. Safford 




Edward M, McCook 


Dakota 


Yankton 


J A Burbank . 


Ds't Columbia 


Washington 


Henry D, Cooke 


Idaho 




Indian Ter... 


Tahl Quah 




Montana 

New Mexico.. 


1864 
1850 
1850 
1853 
1869 


2't,595 
91,874 
86,780 
23,955 
9,118 


Virginia City 

Santa I'e 


Benj. F. Potts 

Marsh Giddings • 


Utah 


Salt Lake City,,, 


Geo L Woods 


Washington... 
Wyoming 


Elisha P. Ferry 

John A. Campbell 


Cheyenne 



The total area of the United States is 2,819,811 square miles, 1,804,079, 
040 acres, or 17 acres for every man, woman and child in the land. 



ULYSSES S. GRjVNT. 



319 



STATEMENT. 



State Elections, l Sal'y 



Tu. after 1 M., Nov.... 
1 Monday, November. 

1 Wednesday, Sept 

1 Monday, April 

Tu. after 1 M., Nov... 
Tu. after 1 M., Nov... 

1 Wednesday, Oct 

Tu. after 1 M., Nov... 

2 Tuesday, October... 
2 Tuesday, October.,. 
Tu. after 1 M.,Nov... 
1 Monday, August.... 

1 Monday, November. 

2 Monday, September 
Tu. after 1 M., Nov... 
Tu. after 1 M., Nov... 
Tu. after 1 M., Nov... 
Tu. after 1 M., Nov... 
Tu. after 1 M., Nov... 
Tu. after 1 M., Nov... 
2 Tuesday, October ... 
Tu. after 1 M., Nov... 

2 Tuesday, March 

Tu. after 1 M., Nov... 
Tu. after 1 M., Nov... 

1 Thursday, August... 

2 Tuesday, Oct 

1 Monday, June 

2 Tuesday, Oct 

1 Wednesday, April... 

3 Wednesday, Oct 

Tu. after 1 M., Nov... 

1 Tuesday, Nov 

1 Tuesday, Sept 

Tu. after 1 M., Nov... 

4 Thursday, Oct 

Tu. after 1 M., Nov... 



$4,000 
5,000 
7,000 
1,100 
1,333 
1,500 
4,000 
1,.500 
8,000 
2,500 
2,000 
5,000 
8,000 
2,.500 
3,600 
5,000 
1,500 
3,000 
3,000 
2,500 
1,200 
0,000 
1,000 
3,000 
4,000 
5,000 
4,000 
1,500 
5,000 
1,000 
4, COO 
3,000 
5,000 
1,000 
5,000 
2,000 
5.000 



GOVEBNOKS. 



Teem Exp's. 



David P. Lewis 

EHsha Baxter 

Newton Booth , 

Charles K. Ingersoll 

James Ponder 

Ossian B. Hart 

James Milton Smith 

Richard J. Oglesby , 

Thomas A. Hendricks 

Cyrus C. Carpenter 

Thomas A. Osborn 

Preston 11. Leslie 

Con. by Kellogg & McEnery... 

Sydney Perham , 

Wm. Pinclney Whyte , 

Wm. B. Washburn 

.John J. Bagley , 

Horace Austin , 

Ridgley C. Powers, ex officio 

Silas Woodson 

Robert W. Furnass 

L. B. Bradley 

Ezekiel A, Straw 

Joel Parker 

John A. Dix 

TodR. Caldwell 

Edward F. Noyes 

Lafayette F. Grover 

John F. Hartratft 

Henry Howard 

Franklin J. Moses, Jr 

John G. Brown 

Edmund J. Davis 

Julius Converse 

Gilbert C. Walker 

John J. Jacob 

Cadwallader C. Washburn... 



Nov., 18T4. 
Jan., 1877. 
Dec, 1875. 
May, 1874. 
Jan., 1875. 
Jan., 1877. 
Jan., 1877. 
Jan., 1877. 
Jan., 1877. 
Jan., 1874. 
Jan., 1875, 
Sept., 1874. 
Jan., 1877. 
Jan., 1874. 
Jan., 1876. 
Jan., 1874. 
Jan., 1875. 
Jan., 1874. 
Jan., 1874. 
Jan., 1875. 
Jan., 1875. 
.Jan., 1874. 
Juno, 1874. 
Jan., 1875. 
Jan., 1875. 
Jan., 1877. 
Jan., 1874. 
Sept., 1874. 
Jan., 1876. 
May, 1874. 
Jan., 1875. 
Jan., 1875. 
Nov., 1873. 
Oct., 1874. 
Jan., 1874. 
March, 1874. 
Jan., 1874. 



Democrats in Italic. 



GENERAL ELECTIONS. 

By Act of Congress, passed Jan. 23, 1845, the time for electing the 
electors of the President and Vice President was made uniform through- 
out all the Str^es. That day was fixed as the Tuesday next after the 
first Monday in November of every fourth year. In March 1, 1792, it 
was established by Congress that the electors of each Stale shall meet, 
at such place as the Legislature thereof may direct, on the first Wed- 
nesday in December after their election. They are required to make, 
sign and send three copies of their votes, and send one of these by spec- 
ial messenger to the President of the Senate at the seat of government, 
before thoiirst 'Wednesday of January following their election ; another 
by mail directed to the President of the Senate, and deposit the third, 
with the Judge of the District Court in whoso jurisdiction the vote was 
cast. The certified lists of all the States are then opened in the presence 
of both branches of Congress, on the 2d Wednesday of February wbea 
the election is officially declared by the President cf the Senate. 



320 THE PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS. 

NICKNAMES. 
Alabama, Lizzards. 
Arkansas, the Bear State, Toothpicks. 
California, the Golden State, Gold Hunters. 
Connecticut, the Land of Steady Habits. 
Delaware, the Blue Hen's Chicken, Muskrats. 
Florida, the Peninsular State, Fly-up- the- Creek. 
Illinois, the Sucker State. 
Indiana, the Hoosier State. 
Iowa, the Hawkeye State. 
Kentucky, Corn-Crackers. 
Louisiana, the Creole State. 
Maine, the Pine Tree, the Border State, Foxes. 
Massachusetts, the Bay State. 
Michigan, the "Wolverine State. 
Minnesota, the Gopher State. 
Mississippi, the Bayou State* 
Missouri, the Bullion, the Puke State, 
New Hampshire, the Granite State. 
New York, the Empire State, Knickerbockers. 
North Carolina, the Old North State, 
Ohio, the Buckeye State. 
Pennsylvania, the Keystone State. 
Khode Island, Little Khody. 
South Carolina, the Palmetto State. 
Tennessee, the Big Bend State. 
Texas, the Lone Star State. 
Vermont, the Green Mountain State. 
Virginia, the Old or Ancient Dominion. 
Wisconsin, the Badger State. 
New England, Yankees. 
United States, Brother Jonathan, Uncle Sam. 



